| Valuation method | Value, $ | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 28.68 | 2372 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 1.45 | 25 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | n/a | |
| Graham Formula | n/a |
Rafael Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RFL) is a diversified holding company with strategic interests in pharmaceuticals and commercial real estate. Operating through two segments—Pharmaceuticals and Real Estate—the company focuses on innovative cancer therapies while maintaining a portfolio of income-generating real estate assets. Its lead drug candidate, CPI-613 (devimistat), is in Phase III trials for metastatic pancreatic cancer and relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML), targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells. The Real Estate segment includes a commercial office building and an 800-car public garage in the U.S. and Israel. Headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, Rafael Holdings combines biotech innovation with stable real estate cash flows, positioning itself uniquely at the intersection of healthcare and property investment. With a market cap of ~$70M, the company appeals to investors seeking exposure to high-risk/high-reward drug development alongside tangible asset backing.
Rafael Holdings presents a high-risk, high-reward investment case. The company’s valuation hinges largely on the success of CPI-613, which could address unmet needs in aggressive cancers but faces binary clinical trial outcomes. Negative EPS (-$1.45) and operating cash flow (-$7.8M) reflect heavy R&D spending, while minimal revenue ($637K) underscores reliance on pipeline milestones. Real estate assets provide modest stability but contribute limited income. With $2.7M cash and $2.4M debt, liquidity is tight, potentially necessitating dilutive financing. The 1.01 beta suggests market-correlated volatility. Speculative investors may find appeal in the oncology focus, but the lack of near-term catalysts and cash burn warrant caution.
Rafael Holdings’ competitive positioning is bifurcated across its two segments. In pharmaceuticals, its edge lies in CPI-613’s novel mechanism targeting cancer metabolism—a niche with limited approved therapies. Competitors in this space (e.g., Agios Pharmaceuticals) have validated the approach but face commercialization challenges. Rafael’s asset-light model via partnerships (e.g., Cornerstone Pharmaceuticals for devimistat) reduces capital burden but cedes control. The Real Estate segment lacks scale, with single-asset exposure offering no competitive advantage against REITs or diversified landlords. Financially, the company’s dual focus dilutes resource allocation: Pharma demands heavy investment, while Real Estate generates insufficient cash flow to offset R&D burns. Pipeline setbacks could leave the company reliant on undervalued real estate, whereas clinical success might attract acquisition interest given the orphan drug potential in AML/pancreatic cancer. The lack of commercial infrastructure further limits standalone potential versus integrated biopharma peers.