Replies to post #217036 on Biotech Values

[Titan V]

NKTR—Buyout buzz hits fever pitch on report that Nektar is ‘exploring options’
https://endpts.com/buyout-buzz-hits-fever-pitch-on-report-that-nektar-is-exploring-options/

[poorgradstudent]

NKTR:

Why the heck would their management consider selling the company now?!

Doesn't ring true to me.

[stockbettor]

NKTR: extract from Bloomberg report

Nektar Therapeutics is exploring options including a potential sale of the $15 billion biotechnology firm, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
The San Francisco-based company could also opt for partnerships and licensing agreements instead of a disposal, said the people, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private. Nektar has attracted interest from larger drugmakers, though some potential suitors are wary of a full takeover because of the high valuation and risks related to its pipeline of experimental drugs, the people said.
No final decisions have been made and considerations may not lead to a transaction, they said.

I am surprised they are considering a sale of the entire company at this point. I have been invested in NKTR for over 10 years, but became increasingly willing to adjust, close out, and rebuy my position as the company has morphed. First it was an inhalation (Exubura) company, then (after Robin took over) it changed its focus to pegylated pain and chemo drugs, and now it has shifted to becoming an I/O drug developer. After SITC 2016 and the 2017 ASCO update I completely sold out my position as I became dubious about its I/O prospects given what I considered to be mediocre single agent results for NKTR-214. With the stunning (to me) 214/Opdivo combo results presented in November at SITC 2017, I rebought 50% of my max NKTR position and did not think I would be selling any shares until at least the end of this year. It looks like Robin and the current market may foil my plans. Again I find it surprising but will certainly not object to a forced sale. Robin is sure to negotiate a very good price if the outcome is a sale.