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Group 1 - Alkermes (ALKS) is currently performing well in the Medical sector, with a year-to-date gain of approximately 21.1%, significantly outperforming the average gain of 6.3% for Medical stocks [4] - The Zacks Rank for Alkermes is 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook, with a 9% increase in the consensus estimate for full-year earnings over the past 90 days [3] - Alkermes belongs to the Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, which includes 450 stocks and is currently ranked 94 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with an average gain of 20.5% year-to-date [5] Group 2 - CASI Pharmaceuticals Inc. is another Medical stock that has outperformed the sector, with a year-to-date return of 20% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4][5] - The Medical - Drugs industry, to which CASI Pharmaceuticals belongs, is ranked 154 and has seen a modest gain of 2.1% this year [6] - Investors in the Medical sector should monitor both Alkermes and CASI Pharmaceuticals for their strong performance trends [6]

Company Overview - Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and selling medicines for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and addiction to alcohol or opioids [2]. Recent Developments - On January 6, Alkermes announced that the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to its alixorexton therapy for narcolepsy type 1, following positive results from phase 1 and phase 2 studies [2]. - The clinical trial involved 92 patients and demonstrated that the oral orexin 2 receptor agonist achieved its primary endpoint, showing statistically significant, dose-dependent improvements in wakefulness [2]. - Craig Hopkinson, M.D., emphasized that alixorexton could significantly improve treatment for narcolepsy type 1, addressing unmet medical needs in the community [2]. - The company plans to advance alixorexton into phase 3 development later this quarter [2]. Market Sentiment - Jim Cramer expressed skepticism about Alkermes, suggesting it is a hold, possibly a weak one, indicating a lack of strong recommendation for the stock [1].

Core Insights - Alkermes (ALKS) has a strong track record of exceeding earnings estimates, particularly in the last two quarters, with an average surprise of 21.75% [1][5] - The company reported earnings of $0.49 per share for the last quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.42 per share by 16.67% [2] - In the previous quarter, Alkermes achieved earnings of $0.52 per share against an expectation of $0.41 per share, resulting in a surprise of 26.83% [2] Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Recent changes in earnings estimates for Alkermes have been favorable, with a positive Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) indicating a strong likelihood of an earnings beat [5][8] - The current Earnings ESP for Alkermes is +11.29%, suggesting that analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [8] - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [6] Zacks Rank and Earnings ESP - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions [7] - A positive Earnings ESP combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) indicates a high probability of another earnings beat for Alkermes [8] - It is crucial to check a company's Earnings ESP before quarterly releases to enhance the likelihood of successful investment decisions [9]

Group 1: Guess, Inc. (GES) - Guess, Inc. is a lifestyle and apparel company with a Zacks Rank of 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 5.6% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 9.93, significantly lower than the industry average of 24.40 [1] - Guess possesses a Value Score of B [1] Group 2: National Energy Services Reunited Corp. (NESR) - National Energy Services Reunited Corp. is an oilfield services company with a Zacks Rank of 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings has increased by 4.1% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 11.85, compared to the industry average of 21.60 [2] - NESR possesses a Value Score of A [2] Group 3: Alkermes plc (ALKS) - Alkermes plc is a biopharmaceutical company with a Zacks Rank of 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 3.1% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 19.23, lower than the S&P average of 25.72 [3] - Alkermes possesses a Value Score of A [3]

Core Insights - Alkermes is positioned for growth in 2026, building on accomplishments from 2025 to enhance its value creation potential [3][5] - The company is characterized as a profitable neuroscience firm with a late-stage candidate, indicating a strong foundation for future development [5] Company Overview - Alkermes is participating in the 44th Annual Healthcare Conference, showcasing its management team and strategic direction [2] - The CEO, Richard Pops, expressed excitement about the company's trajectory and future opportunities [3] Financial and Strategic Position - The company emphasizes its strong foundation for both near-term and long-term growth, highlighting its profitability and leadership in the neuroscience sector [5]

Alkermes Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Alkermes - **Industry**: Biotechnology, specifically in neuroscience and sleep medicine - **Key Products**: ALKS 2680 (orexin compound), Vivitrol, Lybalvi, Aristada, Lumryz Core Points and Arguments Financial Performance - In 2025, Alkermes' commercial business generated over **$1.4 billion** in total revenues, demonstrating strong cash flow and profitability [3] - The planned acquisition of Avidel and its product Lumryz is expected to enhance revenue growth and diversify the commercial portfolio [26] Product Development - **ALKS 2680** is entering phase three trials for narcolepsy, following a successful phase two program [3][9] - The drug has been granted **FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation** for narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) [4][30] - The market opportunity for ALKS 2680 in narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is projected to exceed **$10 billion annually** [6][8] Market Dynamics - There are approximately **200,000** people in the U.S. with narcolepsy, with only about half diagnosed [6] - Currently, **80,000** patients are receiving treatment for narcolepsy, but **80%** report residual symptoms [7] - The branded pharmaceutical market for narcolepsy treatments, particularly oxybates, is limited, with only **16,000 to 18,000** patients using them annually [8] Clinical Trials and Efficacy - The Vibrance studies demonstrated statistically significant improvements in sleep latency and excessive daytime sleepiness for ALKS 2680 [11] - Approximately **95%** of patients in the studies opted to continue into the safety extension phase, indicating high patient satisfaction [12] - The ongoing phase two study for IH is expected to complete in Q4 2026, with plans to initiate the phase three program shortly after the end-of-phase two meeting with the FDA [15][17] Future Growth and Pipeline - Alkermes plans to develop additional compounds, including **ALK-7290** for ADHD and **ALK-4510** for fatigue associated with neurodegenerative diseases [20][23] - The company aims to leverage its experience in drug development to establish a strong presence in the ADHD market, which includes approximately **15.5 million** adults and **6.5 million** children diagnosed with the condition [22] Competitive Positioning - ALKS 2680 is positioned to compete effectively against Takeda's product due to its broader therapeutic index and multiple dosing options [43][44] - The company emphasizes the importance of rigorous clinical data to create barriers for future competitors [46][47] Additional Important Insights - The acquisition of Avidel is expected to close soon, enhancing Alkermes' entry into the sleep medicine market [10][27] - The company has a strong financial foundation, with over **$1.3 billion** in net sales from its existing products [27] - Alkermes is focused on addressing unmet patient needs in narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, emphasizing the importance of patient-reported outcomes in clinical trials [50][51] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting Alkermes' strategic direction, product pipeline, and market opportunities.

Financial Performance & Acquisition - Alkermes' commercial business generated revenues exceeding $1.45 billion in 2025, demonstrating strong cash flow and profitability[5] - The planned acquisition of Avadel is expected to augment revenue growth and enhance profitability in 2026[5, 46] - LUMRYZ has generated over $390 million in net revenues since its launch as of September 30, 2025[49] Alixorexton Development Program - Alixorexton has blockbuster potential in narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia and was granted FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation in NT1, with Phase 3 initiation planned for Q1 2026[5] - Phase 2 Vibrance-1 study showed statistically significant improvements in mean sleep latency and excessive daytime sleepiness, with clinically meaningful improvements in weekly cataplexy rates in NT1 patients[16] - Phase 2 Vibrance-2 study demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in wakefulness and excessive daytime sleepiness in NT2 patients[19] Market Opportunity & Pipeline Expansion - The orexin 2 receptor agonist class represents a potential multi-billion dollar market opportunity in narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia[9] - The oxybate market for narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia generated over $1.8 billion in revenues in 2024[11] - Approximately 80,000 narcolepsy patients are treated, with 80% reporting residual symptoms[11] - Alkermes is planning a Phase 2 study of ALKS 4510 in 2026 for fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease, with a prevalence of approximately 1 million patients each in the US[40]

Revenue Estimates - Alkermes plc will present its estimated total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025, during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 13, 2026[5] - The revenue figures are preliminary, unaudited, and subject to change upon completion of the financial statement review for the year ended December 31, 2025[5] - A corporate presentation detailing these estimates has been made available as Exhibit 99.1[5]

Core Insights - The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a significant shift in sentiment as executives prepare for the upcoming J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, with a more relaxed attitude compared to 2025 [1] - Concerns regarding drug pricing policies and tariffs that could erode profits have largely dissipated, leading to a notable reduction in industry anxiety [1][3] - Biopharmaceutical transactions have more than doubled over the past year, with expectations for continued growth in 2026 [1][3] Group 1 - The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference serves as a key networking and deal-making event for thousands of biopharmaceutical executives and investors [3] - A recent agreement with the White House aimed at lowering drug prices has positively influenced market sentiment, as companies have not significantly adjusted their financial outlooks [3] - In 2025, pharmaceutical companies completed $130 billion in transactions, a 124% increase from the previous year, with approximately 30 deals exceeding $1 billion [3] Group 2 - Major pharmaceutical companies like Merck, Pfizer, and Bristol-Myers Squibb are under pressure to replenish their product pipelines as blockbuster drug patents expire in the next five years, threatening over $300 billion in sales [6] - The rising stock prices have emboldened CEOs to pursue mergers and acquisitions, leading to competitive bidding wars for biotech firms developing potential blockbuster drugs [6][7] - Mid-sized companies are also actively acquiring early-stage biotech firms, indicating a shift in strategy as they seek growth opportunities [7] Group 3 - Despite the optimism, rising valuations may deter potential buyers from pursuing acquisitions [7] - Political uncertainties remain, particularly with the Trump administration's influence on the FDA and its unpredictable leadership changes [8] - The FDA has recently rejected several rare disease drug applications, causing frustration among investors and advocacy groups, which may lead to a more cautious approach to major mergers [8]