BTIG initiates Freenome stock with buy rating on cancer test potential

BTIG has initiated coverage on Freenome Inc. with a positive Buy rating and a price target of $17.00, reflecting nearly a 50% increase from the stock's current level of $11.56. However, this target comes with a caution from InvestingPro data, which suggests the stock may be overvalued at current levels. Freenome is at the forefront of blood-based liquid biopsy testing and is poised to become a leader in early detection screening for 10 different types of cancer.

The company's SimpleScreen test is expected to compete with Cologuard from Abbott and Shield from Guardant Health. BTIG maintains an equally positive rating on Abbott and Guardant Health. The company has a cash reserve that makes up roughly half of its $1.3 billion market capitalization. Freenome's total addressable market is estimated at around $100 billion.

The firm sees multiple tests coming to commercialization over the next few years, with significant catalysts expected. In related news, Jefferies has also rated Freenome as a Buy with a $17.00 target price, further emphasizing the positive outlook for the company's cancer screening tests.