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Alvotech vs. Teva Pharma: Which Generic Drugmaker is the Better Play?
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 17:21
Core Insights - Alvotech (ALVO) and Teva Pharmaceuticals (TEVA) operate in the biosimilar market with distinct business models, where ALVO focuses on partnerships for market access while TEVA leverages its scale as a global pharmaceutical leader [1][23]. Alvotech Overview - Alvotech's revenue model is based on collaborations with established generic players, allowing it to minimize commercialization risks and costs [3][4]. - In H1 2025, Alvotech's product revenues surged over 200% year-over-year to nearly $205 million, driven by strong sales of its immunology biosimilars Simlandi and Selarsdi [4][9]. - The company has expanded into ophthalmology with the EU approval of Mynzepli, a biosimilar to Regeneron's Eylea, and is pursuing additional biosimilars in neurology and oncology [5][6]. - Alvotech's partnerships with Dr. Reddy's and Advanz Pharma are crucial for developing multiple biosimilar candidates [6]. Teva Pharmaceuticals Overview - Teva is the largest generic drug company globally, holding approximately 7% of the U.S. generic market, and has a strong manufacturing presence [7][23]. - The company has launched several successful biosimilars, including Truxima, Herzuma, and Epysqli, and expects to introduce up to 12 biosimilars in the U.S. and Europe from 2025 to 2027 [8][11]. - Teva aims to double its global biosimilars sales by 2027, with a pipeline that includes biosimilars of Amgen's Prolia and Regeneron's Eylea [12][14]. Financial Performance - Alvotech's sales and EPS estimates for 2025 indicate a year-over-year increase of nearly 35% and 133%, respectively, with upward trends in EPS estimates [15]. - Teva's 2025 sales and EPS estimates suggest a modest year-over-year increase of 2%, with mixed trends in EPS estimates for 2026 [15][17]. - Year-to-date, Alvotech shares have decreased by over 14%, while Teva shares have fallen by 39%, both underperforming the industry [9][17]. Valuation Comparison - Alvotech's shares trade at a price/sales (P/S) ratio of 3.26, indicating a higher valuation compared to Teva's P/S ratio of 1.32 [18]. Investment Considerations - Both companies hold significant positions in the generics/biosimilar market, with Teva benefiting from its scale and diversified portfolio, while Alvotech's partnership-driven strategy has led to strong revenue growth [22][23]. - Alvotech is viewed as a safer investment option due to its growth potential and solid fundamentals, despite its higher valuation [24].
Lumen Expands Multi-Billion AI Network Amid Surging Demand
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 17:21
Core Insights - Lumen Technologies is significantly advancing its infrastructure to support the AI-driven economy by planning to deploy 34 million new intercity fiber miles by 2028, having already delivered millions of new fiber miles in 2025 to meet AI workload demands [1][2] Group 1: Infrastructure Development - In 2025, Lumen deployed over 2.2 million new intercity fiber miles, with a total expected to reach 16.6 million by year-end, utilizing next-generation Corning fiber that doubles capacity in existing conduits [2] - Construction is ongoing at 176 In-Line Amplifier (ILA) sites, enhancing signal strength with up to three times the power density of traditional ILAs, designed for future scalability [2][3] - The company completed IRU deployments across 55 additional routes, securing long-term rights to underground pathways, which enhances its fiber management capabilities [3] Group 2: Network Capacity and Performance - The network's total capacity increased by over 5.9 petabits per second in 2025, preparing it to handle high data volumes [3][10] - Lumen has allocated over $100 million to upgrade connectivity to 400Gbps across various networks, creating a high-performance pipeline for AI workloads, with the 400G-enabled network spanning over 100,000 route miles [4][10] Group 3: Growth Strategy and Market Demand - Lumen's growth strategy focuses on its Private Connectivity Fabric (PCF), which offers 25% less optical loss and 60% more capacity than traditional designs, serving 97% of U.S. business demand with ultra-low latency [5][10] - The demand for PCF solutions is rising, with Lumen securing $9 billion in PCF deals in Q2, driven by the urgent need for fiber capacity among large companies in various industries [6] - Recent initiatives like Wavelength RapidRoutes provide enterprises with faster high-capacity connections, reducing setup time from months to a 20-day delivery SLA [7] Group 4: Financial Outlook - For 2025, Lumen expects adjusted EBITDA to be between $3.2 billion and $3.4 billion, with expectations to report near the high end of this range due to improved cost controls and performance from legacy services [8]
Here's Why Semiconductor ETFs Are Hitting 52-Week Highs
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 17:21
Group 1: Semiconductor Sector Performance - The semiconductor sector has been performing well, with various ETFs reaching 52-week highs, including S&P Semiconductor SPDR (XSD), Dynamic Semiconductors Invesco ETF (PSI), and others, gaining between 8% to 14% over the past month [1] Group 2: AI Investments in the UK - Major tech companies, including Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Alphabet, are planning over $40 billion in new AI investments in the UK, with Microsoft committing $30 billion from 2025 to 2028 [2] - NVIDIA announced a £11 billion ($15 billion) investment in the UK, marking its largest deployment of 120,000 Blackwell GPU chips in Europe [3] - Google revealed a £5 billion ($6.8 billion) investment in UK AI development and opened a new data center near London [4] Group 3: NVIDIA's Strategic Investments - NVIDIA is investing $5 billion in Intel to co-develop data center and PC chips, leading to a 22.8% surge in Intel's shares, marking its best day in 38 years [5] - NVIDIA joins SoftBank and the U.S. government in supporting Intel's turnaround, with the U.S. government acquiring a 10% stake and SoftBank investing $2 billion [6] - NVIDIA plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI, with a strategic partnership to deploy at least 10 gigawatts of NVIDIA chips for AI infrastructure, starting in the second half of 2026 [7] Group 4: Quantum Computing Developments - Rigetti Computing secured a three-year $5.8 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to advance superconducting quantum networking, partnering with Dutch startup QphoX [8] Group 5: Market Implications - The semiconductor sector's growth is supported by its critical role in AI and quantum technologies, justifying the rally in ETFs like XSD, SOXX, and SMH [9]
Surging Earnings Estimates Signal Upside for StoneCo (STNE) Stock
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 17:21
Core Viewpoint - StoneCo Ltd. is experiencing solid improvement in earnings estimates, which is likely to positively impact its stock price momentum [1][2]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Analysts show growing optimism regarding StoneCo's earnings prospects, reflected in upward revisions of earnings estimates [2]. - The current-quarter earnings estimate is $0.41 per share, representing a year-over-year increase of +17.1% [5]. - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for StoneCo has increased by 13.89%, with one estimate moving higher and no negative revisions [5]. - For the full year, the expected earnings are $1.63 per share, indicating a year-over-year change of +20.7% [6]. - The consensus estimate for the current year has risen by 9.62% due to two upward revisions and no negative changes [6][7]. Zacks Rank and Performance - StoneCo has achieved a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating favorable conditions for investment based on earnings estimate revisions [8]. - Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) have historically outperformed the S&P 500 [8]. - The stock has gained 24.4% over the past four weeks, driven by solid estimate revisions and positive earnings growth prospects [9].
Earnings Estimates Rising for PagSeguro Digital (PAGS): Will It Gain?
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 17:21
Core Viewpoint - PagSeguro Digital Ltd. (PAGS) is experiencing solid improvement in earnings estimates, which may lead to continued stock price momentum [1][2]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The rising trend in estimate revisions reflects growing analyst optimism regarding PagSeguro's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively impact its stock price [2]. - For the current quarter, PagSeguro is expected to earn $0.35 per share, representing a year-over-year increase of +9.4%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 14.95% due to one upward revision and no negative revisions in the last 30 days [6]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate stands at $1.38 per share, indicating a +14.1% change from the previous year. Over the past month, two estimates have moved higher, contributing to a 7.17% increase in the consensus estimate [7][8]. Zacks Rank and Performance - PagSeguro Digital has achieved a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to favorable estimate revisions, which historically correlate with significant outperformance compared to the S&P 500 [9]. - Stocks with a Zacks Rank 1 have generated an average annual return of +25% since 2008, indicating strong potential for PagSeguro [3]. Stock Performance - The stock has increased by 18.7% over the past four weeks, driven by strong estimate revisions and positive investor sentiment, suggesting further upside potential [10].
Nissan's Next-Gen ProPILOT Demo: Global AV Race Heating Up
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 17:16
Key Takeaways Nissan began demos of its next-gen ProPILOT assisted driving system in Tokyo this month.The new system pairs Ground Truth Perception with UK startup Wayve's AI Driver.Planned rollout in 2027 includes an autonomous ride-share service in Japan.The race to develop autonomous vehicles (AVs) is entering an exciting phase. Automakers and tech giants alike are pouring billions into self-driving technology. Japanese auto giant Nissan Motor Co. (NSANY) began demonstrations of its next-generation ProPIL ...
CRSP & Sirius Begin Dosing in Thromboembolic Disorder Study in EU
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 17:11
Key Takeaways CRISPR Therapeutics and Sirius start a phase II study of SRSD107 in thromboembolic disorders.SRSD107 targets Factor XI to prevent venous thromboembolism in knee arthroplasty patients.The collaboration expands CRISPR Therapeutics' pipeline into RNA therapeutics beyond gene therapies.CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) , along with privately held biotech, Sirius Therapeutics, announced the dosing of the first patient in a phase II study evaluating SRSD107, a next-generation, long-acting siRNA therapy for ...
Berkshire Boosts Mitsui Stake, Increases Investment in Japan
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 17:11
Key Takeaways Berkshire raised its Mitsui stake to more than 10%, marking further expansion in Japan.Its total Japan stake cost $13.8B and was valued at $23.5B at 2024 end, showing strong growth.Berkshire expects $812M in 2025 dividends versus $135M in interest costs from yen-denominated bonds.Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) increased its stake in the Japanese company Mitsui Corp. to more than 10%. This recent move marks Berkshire's continued expansion in Japan. Mitsui stated that Berkshire has currently become ...
Will MSC Industrial (MSM) Beat Estimates Again in Its Next Earnings Report?
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 17:11
Core Insights - MSC Industrial is positioned to potentially continue its earnings-beat streak, having a history of surpassing earnings estimates, particularly in the last two quarters with an average surprise of 5.37% [1][5]. Earnings Performance - For the most recent quarter, MSC Industrial reported earnings of $1.03 per share against an expectation of $1.08, resulting in a surprise of 4.85%. In the previous quarter, the company exceeded the consensus estimate of $0.68 by reporting $0.72 per share, achieving a surprise of 5.88% [2]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Estimates for MSC Industrial have been trending upward, influenced by its history of earnings surprises. The stock currently has a positive Zacks Earnings ESP of +1.41%, indicating that analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [5][8]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) suggests a strong likelihood of another earnings beat in the upcoming report, expected on October 23, 2025 [8]. Earnings ESP Insights - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions. This metric is crucial as it indicates the potential accuracy of earnings predictions [7]. - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have historically produced positive surprises nearly 70% of the time, suggesting a high probability of beating consensus estimates [6].
AZN Gets CHMP Nod for Label Expansion of Koselugo & Tezspire
ZACKS· 2025-09-23 17:01
Core Insights - AstraZeneca's Koselugo has received a positive recommendation from the CHMP for expanded use in treating symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas in adult patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 in the EU [1][6] - The recommendation is supported by data from the phase III KOMET study, which showed a significant objective response rate of 20% for Koselugo compared to 5% for placebo [2][6] - AstraZeneca's Tezspire has also been recommended for the treatment of adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in the EU, based on the phase III WAYPOINT study [7][8] AstraZeneca's Product Approvals - Koselugo is already approved for certain pediatric patients with NF1 in multiple countries, including the US, EU, Japan, and China, and has recently gained approval for adult patients in Japan [3] - Tezspire is currently approved for severe asthma in various regions and is under review for treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in the US, with a decision expected on October 19, 2025 [9] Financial Performance - Year-to-date, AstraZeneca's shares have increased by 18.2%, outperforming the industry average rise of 3.5% [4]