Denali Therapeutics Inc.

NasdaqGS:DNLI Stock Report

Market Cap: US$4.1b

Denali Therapeutics Management

Management criteria checks 4/4

Denali Therapeutics' CEO is Ryan Watts, appointed in Aug 2015, has a tenure of 10.92 years. total yearly compensation is $4.75M, comprised of 15.1% salary and 84.9% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 1.43% of the company’s shares, worth $58.49M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 7.5 years and 7.3 years respectively.

Key information

Ryan Watts

Chief executive officer

US$4.8m

Total compensation

CEO salary percentage15.11%
CEO tenure10.9yrs
CEO ownership1.4%
Management average tenure7.5yrs
Board average tenure7.3yrs

Recent management updates

Recent updates

Seeking Alpha • May 27

Denali Therapeutics: 'Strong Buy' On AVLAYAH Approval And End Of 2026 FTD-GRN Data

Summary Denali Therapeutics maintains a "Strong Buy" rating following an FDA Accelerated Approval of AVLAYAH for Hunter syndrome and robust pipeline momentum. The company's DNL593 for FTD-GRN is differentiated by restoring both extracellular and lysosomal PGRN; phase 1/2 data readout is expected by the end of 2026. AVLAYAH’s full approval depends on confirmatory COMPASS study results; commercial performance remains unproven post-April 2026 launch. The company holds $1.05B in cash but may need additional funding within 12 months, with a $400M ATM facility available for potential dilution. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article • May 08

We're Not Very Worried About Denali Therapeutics' (NASDAQ:DNLI) Cash Burn Rate

There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although Amazon.com...
Seeking Alpha • Mar 20

Denali Therapeutics: Vast Pipeline, First Approval Up Ahead

Summary Denali Therapeutics' stock has significantly dropped from $100 to $15 since 2021, but the company is now heavily derisked with promising product candidates nearing key milestones. Lead asset DNL310 shows strong biomarker data for Hunter syndrome, with plans for a BLA submission and accelerated approval by Q2 2025. The Biogen partnership for Parkinson’s Disease asset DNL151 includes substantial milestone payments and profit-sharing, highlighting its potential impact. Despite past failures, Denali's extensive pipeline and solid financial runway make it a compelling buy at current low stock prices. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Jan 09

Denali: Despite ALS Primary Endpoint Failure, Possible Path Forward Remains

Summary Denali Therapeutics Inc.'s DNL343 failed to meet the primary endpoint in the phase 2/3 HEALY ALS trial, but potential biomarker analyses in 2025 may offer a path forward. Despite the trial setback in ALS, Denali's stock remains stable due to continued pre-specified analyses expected in late 2025. BLA filing of tividenofusp alfa for the treatment of patients with MPS II remains on track under the Accelerated Approval Pathway Program in early 2025. Financially, Denali has $1.28 billion in cash but may need additional funding in 2025, posing a risk of shareholder dilution. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article • Dec 09

We're Hopeful That Denali Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DNLI) Will Use Its Cash Wisely

There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, biotech and mining...
Seeking Alpha • Aug 20

Denali Therapeutics: A Promising Biotech With Revolutionary BBB-Crossing Technology

Summary Denali Therapeutics' proprietary Transport Vehicle technology enables drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier, targeting neurodegenerative diseases. DNL310, targeting MPS II, and DNL343 for ALS are key drug candidates with potential, though competition is significant. The company’s $500 million capital raise supports its aggressive R&D investment, providing a runway for developing its pipeline. Despite its promising platform, DNLI still has a relatively high cash burn and regulatory hurdles before achieving drug approval. Due to Denali's high-risk, long-term biotech development, I deem DNLI a DCA "buy" for investors who understand the inherent risks. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article • Jul 26

Companies Like Denali Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DNLI) Are In A Position To Invest In Growth

Just because a business does not make any money, does not mean that the stock will go down. For example, biotech and...
Analysis Article • May 23

Revenues Not Telling The Story For Denali Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:DNLI) After Shares Rise 25%

Denali Therapeutics Inc. ( NASDAQ:DNLI ) shareholders would be excited to see that the share price has had a great...
Seeking Alpha • May 13

Denali Therapeutics: MPS Treatment Program Continues With End Of 2024 Data

Summary Denali Therapeutics Inc.'s DNL-310 is currently being explored in an ongoing phase 2/3 COMPASS study for treatment of patients with MPS II; Enrollment completion expected in 2024. Denali is in talks with CDER division of FDA to seek for Accelerated Approval pathway for DNL-310 for the treatment of patients with MPS II. Biomarker and safety data from a phase 1/2 study, using DNL-126 for the treatment of patients with MPS IIIA, expected end of 2024. Another promising program from the pipeline is the development of DNL-343, which is being advanced in the phase 2/3 HEALEY ALS Platform trial for treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article • Apr 17

An Intrinsic Calculation For Denali Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:DNLI) Suggests It's 44% Undervalued

Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Denali Therapeutics fair value estimate is US$30.71 Denali...
Analysis Article • Mar 21

Denali Therapeutics Inc.'s (NASDAQ:DNLI) Price Is Right But Growth Is Lacking After Shares Rocket 25%

Those holding Denali Therapeutics Inc. ( NASDAQ:DNLI ) shares would be relieved that the share price has rebounded 25...
Seeking Alpha • Mar 07

Denali: Leveraging Transport Vehicle Technology For Neurological Gains

Summary Denali's stock performance has been flat despite the biotech sector's 20% rise; recently raised $500 million in a PIPE. ALS trial failure with partner Sanofi pressured stock; Denali's focus is on transport vehicle (TV) technology and BBB crossing. Denali boasts a strong financial position with $1.53 billion in cash, extending operational runway significantly. Recommends "buy" based on Denali's innovative TV technology, financial health, and potential in neurological disorders despite biotech risks. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Analysis Article • Feb 21

Companies Like Denali Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DNLI) Are In A Position To Invest In Growth

There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although...
Analysis Article • Jan 26

Improved Revenues Required Before Denali Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:DNLI) Shares Find Their Feet

Denali Therapeutics Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:DNLI ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 7x might make it look like a buy right...
Analysis Article • Nov 20

We're Not Very Worried About Denali Therapeutics' (NASDAQ:DNLI) Cash Burn Rate

Just because a business does not make any money, does not mean that the stock will go down. For example, biotech and...
Analysis Article • Oct 09

Investor Optimism Abounds Denali Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:DNLI) But Growth Is Lacking

With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 10.4x in the Biotechs industry in the United States, you...
Analysis Article • Aug 22

Companies Like Denali Therapeutics (NASDAQ:DNLI) Are In A Position To Invest In Growth

There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, biotech and mining...

CEO Compensation Analysis

How has Ryan Watts's remuneration changed compared to Denali Therapeutics's earnings?
DateTotal CompensationSalaryCompany Earnings
Mar 31 2026n/an/a

-US$508m

Dec 31 2025US$5mUS$718k

-US$513m

Sep 30 2025n/an/a

-US$499m

Jun 30 2025n/an/a

-US$479m

Mar 31 2025n/an/a

-US$454m

Dec 31 2024US$7mUS$690k

-US$423m

Sep 30 2024n/an/a

-US$427m

Jun 30 2024n/an/a

-US$420m

Mar 31 2024n/an/a

-US$137m

Dec 31 2023US$8mUS$670k

-US$145m

Sep 30 2023n/an/a

-US$124m

Jun 30 2023n/an/a

-US$128m

Mar 31 2023n/an/a

-US$371m

Dec 31 2022US$9mUS$645k

-US$326m

Sep 30 2022n/an/a

-US$303m

Jun 30 2022n/an/a

-US$284m

Mar 31 2022n/an/a

-US$286m

Dec 31 2021US$13mUS$610k

-US$291m

Sep 30 2021n/an/a

US$30m

Jun 30 2021n/an/a

US$56m

Mar 31 2021n/an/a

US$58m

Dec 31 2020US$9mUS$589k

US$71m

Sep 30 2020n/an/a

-US$228m

Jun 30 2020n/an/a

-US$216m

Mar 31 2020n/an/a

-US$215m

Dec 31 2019US$5mUS$567k

-US$198m

Compensation vs Market: Ryan's total compensation ($USD4.75M) is below average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD6.91M).

Compensation vs Earnings: Ryan's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.

CEO

Ryan Watts (50 yo)

10.9yrs
Tenure
US$4,751,515
Compensation

Dr. Ryan J. Watts, Ph D., serves as Director at PEEL Therapeutics, Inc. since February 2023. He is the Co-Founder of Denali Therapeutics Inc. and has been its President and Chief Executive Officer since Au...

Leadership Team

NamePositionTenureCompensationOwnership
Ryan Watts
Co-Founder10.9yrsUS$4.75m1.43%
$ 58.5m
Alexander Schuth
Co-Founder11.3yrsUS$4.26m0.42%
$ 17.2m
Dana Andersen
Chief Technical and Manufacturing Officer7.9yrsno datano data
Joe Lewcock
Chief Scientific Officer6yrsno datano data
Chris Walsh
General Counsel7.5yrsno datano data
Cindy Dunkle
Chief People Officerno datano datano data
Katie Peng
Chief Commercial Officer4.8yrsno datano data
Peter Chin
Acting Chief Medical Officer & Head of Developmentless than a yearno data0.13%
$ 5.3m
7.5yrs
Average Tenure
54yo
Average Age

Experienced Management: DNLI's management team is seasoned and experienced (7.5 years average tenure).

Board Members

NamePositionTenureCompensationOwnership
Ryan Watts
Co-Founder11.3yrsUS$4.75m1.43%
$ 58.5m
Jay Flatley
Independent Director11.3yrsUS$316.38k0.22%
$ 9.1m
Julian Baker
Independent Chairperson1.1yrsUS$474.35k0.21%
$ 8.6m
Eric Reiman
Member of Scientific Advisory Boardno datano datano data
David Schenkein
Independent Director11.3yrsUS$311.38k0.046%
$ 1.9m
David Holtzman
Member of Scientific Advisory Board5.7yrsno datano data
Peter Klein
Independent Director8.3yrsUS$318.88k0.017%
$ 711.3k
Jennifer Cook
Independent Director7.7yrsUS$301.38k0.016%
$ 673.5k
Steve Krognes
Independent Director4.2yrsUS$297.15k0.51%
$ 21.0m
Stacie Weninger
Member of Scientific Advisory Board5.5yrsno datano data
Henrik Zetterberg
Member of Scientific Advisory Board7.3yrsno datano data
Nancy Thornberry
Independent Director5.5yrsUS$306.38k0.016%
$ 638.3k
7.3yrs
Average Tenure
62yo
Average Age

Experienced Board: DNLI's board of directors are considered experienced (7.3 years average tenure).

Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/07/06 09:00
End of Day Share Price 2026/07/02 00:00
Earnings2026/03/31
Annual Earnings2025/12/31

Data Sources

The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.

Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.

Analysis Model and Snowflake

Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.

Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Industry and Sector Metrics

Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.

Analyst Sources

Denali Therapeutics Inc. is covered by 31 analysts. 19 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.

AnalystInstitution
null nullBaird
Joel BeattyBaird
Charles MooreBaird