Great expectations for GlaxoSmithKline R&D newsflow

Essentially, analysts at Panmure Gordon & Co anticipate a lot of pipeline newsflow from UK pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK) in 2013, two or three of which can be transformational. “We can easily see GSK’s share price ticking upwards of £15 even in anticipation. To that end, we have been stress testing our model following the company’s late stage pipeline portfolio review, the analysts say.

Ultimately the business has faced headwinds this year, with pricing in Europe softer than had been expected. That is not new. Nor are headwinds facing the company’s respiratory portfolio, which has lost its pricing power.

Nonetheless, the portfolio is stronger than it has been for years and despite the analysts forecast downgrades (-6.6%, -7.2% and -4.3% to fiscal year 2012, FY2013 and FY2014 respectively) they upgrade the stock to Buy from Hold. Their new price target of £15.00 implies 10% upside from current levels.