Core Viewpoint - Amgen's stock presents an attractive long-term investment opportunity despite recent share price declines and upcoming patent cliffs [1][2]. Group 1: Promising Drug Developments - Amgen is developing MariTide, a weight management drug that has shown a mean weight loss of up to 20% over 52 weeks, with a favorable monthly dosing schedule [4][5]. - The anti-obesity market is rapidly growing, and MariTide could generate sales of up to $3.7 billion by 2030, helping Amgen offset losses from patent expirations [6]. - Amgen has a robust pipeline with several ongoing programs, including bemarituzumab, which has shown promising results in a phase 3 study for metastatic gastric cancer [7][8]. Group 2: Recent Product Launches - Amgen's recent product approvals, such as Imdelltra for lung cancer, Tezspire for asthma, and Uplizna for rare diseases, are expected to contribute to top-line growth [9][10]. Group 3: Financial Strength and Dividends - Amgen has a strong dividend track record, having increased its dividend by 201.3% over the past decade, with a current yield of 3.5% [11][12]. - The company's cash payout ratio of 46.5% provides room for further dividend increases, making it an attractive option for investors seeking income [12][13]. Group 4: Valuation - Amgen's shares are considered reasonably valued, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 12.6, lower than the healthcare industry average of 16.4 [14][15]. - The market may be pricing in upcoming patent losses, but long-term investors could benefit from potential revenue and earnings growth as new products are launched [15].

Core Viewpoint - Amgen Inc. shares are currently trading at $299.82, reflecting a 0.82% increase, with a monthly rise of 5.71% but a yearly decline of 5.55, raising questions about potential undervaluation despite current performance [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - Amgen's current share price is $299.82, with a recent increase of 0.82% [1] - Over the past month, the stock has appreciated by 5.71%, while it has decreased by 5.55% over the past year [1] Group 2: P/E Ratio Analysis - The P/E ratio is a critical metric for evaluating Amgen's market performance, currently standing at 24.32, which is lower than the biotechnology industry's average P/E ratio of 30.41 [5][6] - A lower P/E ratio may suggest that Amgen is undervalued compared to its peers, but it could also indicate weaker growth prospects or financial instability [6][9] Group 3: Investment Considerations - Investors should use the P/E ratio cautiously, as it is just one of many metrics to assess a company's financial health and should be considered alongside other financial ratios and qualitative factors [9]

Let's get stop trading with Jim. One thing that some people may have missed came out yesterday was that Amgen had a landmark study that went very well for Rapatha uh lowering cholesterol and therefore do you know helping people's hearts even if you don't have cholesterol. Now I'm on this uh Rapatha because my doctor is basically part of this trial and just said look there's no level of cholesterol that's good.uh they're also they're not doing a study on this but people feel that reduces plaque but I think t ...

Group 1 - Amgen's recent study on Rapatha demonstrated significant effectiveness in lowering cholesterol, which is beneficial for heart health, even in patients without high cholesterol levels [1][2] - Rapatha is noted for its high cost but is recognized for its efficacy in reducing the risk of heart attacks by managing bad cholesterol levels [2] - The VANC Pharma ETF has experienced its best week since 2009, indicating positive market sentiment towards pharmaceutical stocks [2] Group 2 - There is clarity regarding the Pfizer deal, with Amgen pricing its drugs competitively, which aligns with the administration's goals [3] - The administration's stance appears to have shifted, indicating that the pharmaceutical industry is not viewed as an adversary, which may lead to more favorable conditions for drug pricing [3]

Core Insights - The Phase 3 VESALIUS-CV clinical trial demonstrated that Repatha significantly reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in high-risk patients without a prior history of heart attack or stroke, establishing it as the first and only PCSK9 inhibitor to show such results for both primary and secondary prevention [1][2][4]. Clinical Trial Details - The VESALIUS-CV trial enrolled over 12,000 high-risk patients, with approximately 85% on high-intensity or moderate LDL-C lowering therapy, and followed them for a median of about 4.5 years [1][8][9]. - The primary endpoints included the time to first occurrence of a composite of coronary heart disease (CHD) death, heart attack, or ischemic stroke, and the results were both statistically and clinically significant, with no new safety signals observed [3][4]. Implications for Cardiovascular Disease Management - The results highlight Repatha's potential as a cornerstone therapy in lipid management, particularly for patients at high cardiovascular risk who have not yet experienced a heart attack or stroke [4][10]. - Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and high LDL-C is a modifiable risk factor; however, over 80% of high-risk patients without prior events were not at recommended LDL-C levels after one year of follow-up [2][5]. Regulatory and Market Context - Repatha has been used by over 6.7 million patients globally since its approval in 2015, and the FDA has broadened its approved use to include adults at increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events due to uncontrolled LDL-C [6][12]. - The full results from the VESALIUS-CV trial will be presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions on November 8, and will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal [4].

Core Insights - Investing in dividend growth stocks is highlighted as one of the easiest and most effective strategies on Wall Street [1] Company Analysis: Watsco - Watsco, the largest HVACR parts distributor in America, has increased its dividend payout by 69% over the past five years, currently offering a yield of 2.8% [4][5] - The company has grown by acquiring over 70 businesses and has no debt on its balance sheet as of June [5] - Watsco is leveraging online applications for contractors, with 70,000 mobile app users facilitating the quote process and ordering parts [6] - Despite a 3% revenue decline in the first half of 2025 due to temperate weather and lower homebuilding activity, Watsco's sales are primarily from repairs and replacements, which may mitigate investor concerns during economic slowdowns [7][8] Company Analysis: Amgen - Amgen, a long-established biotechnology company, has raised its dividend payout by 48% over the past five years, currently offering a yield of 3.4% [10] - The company reported a 34% year-over-year decline in sales of its arthritis treatment Enbrel, amounting to an annualized $2.4 billion, but has invested profits into new drug developments [10] - Amgen's overall sales grew by 9% year over year to $8.8 billion, with double-digit growth in 15 products [11] - The new treatment Imdelltra for small-cell lung cancer has shown promising results, potentially becoming standard care, which could drive future sales growth [12][13]

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] - The demand for electricity from AI technologies, particularly data centers, is unprecedented, leading to concerns about power grid capacity and rising electricity prices [2][3] - A specific company is highlighted as a key player in the energy sector, poised to benefit from the increasing energy demands of AI, owning critical energy infrastructure assets [3][7][8] Energy Demand and Infrastructure - AI technologies, such as large language models, consume energy equivalent to that of small cities, raising questions about future energy supply [2] - The company in focus is positioned at the center of America's energy strategy, owning nuclear energy infrastructure and capable of executing large-scale energy projects [7][8] - The company is debt-free and has significant cash reserves, which is advantageous in a capital-intensive industry [8][10] Market Position and Investment Potential - The company is described as a "toll booth" operator in the AI energy boom, collecting fees from energy exports and benefiting from the onshoring trend driven by tariffs [5][6] - It has a stake in another AI-related company, providing indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities in the AI sector [9][10] - The stock is considered undervalued, trading at less than 7 times earnings, which presents a compelling investment opportunity [10][11] Future Outlook - The ongoing AI revolution is expected to disrupt traditional industries, with companies that adapt to AI technologies likely to thrive [11][12] - The influx of talent into the AI sector is anticipated to drive continuous innovation and advancements, reinforcing the importance of investing in AI [12][13] - The combination of AI infrastructure needs, energy demands, and favorable market conditions positions this company for significant growth in the coming years [14][15]

Core Insights - Amgen Inc. is recognized as a top choice for retirement portfolios due to its strategic investments and growth potential [1][4] - The company announced a $650 million upgrade to its manufacturing facility in Juncos, Puerto Rico, expected to create approximately 750 jobs [1][2] - This investment aims to enhance medicine production capacities and integrate innovative technology into operations [1] Investment and Expansion - Amgen's recent investments include a $1 billion expansion in North Carolina, a $900 million factory expansion in Ohio, and a $600 million science and innovation center in California [2] - The company attributes its local manufacturing and research investments to favorable legislation, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 [2] Company Overview - Amgen Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company focusing on human treatments for various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, hematology, inflammation, cancer, and bone health [3]

Economic Indicators - US MBA mortgage applications fell by -12.7% in the week ended September 26, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -1.0% and the refinancing sub-index down -20.6% [1] - The September ISM manufacturing index rose +0.4 to a 7-month high of 49.1, exceeding expectations of 49.0 [6] - The September ADP employment change unexpectedly fell by -32,000, marking the largest decline in 2.5 years, while August was revised lower to -3,000 from +54,000 [5] Market Reactions - Stocks initially moved lower due to the US government shutdown, but later recovered, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 reaching new all-time highs [2][4] - The dollar index fell to a one-week low, while gold prices climbed to a record high amid risk-off sentiment [2] - Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks, with over 22% of S&P 500 companies providing guidance for Q3 earnings that are expected to beat analysts' expectations [8] Sector Performance - Pharmaceutical stocks rallied, with AstraZeneca closing up more than +9% and Eli Lilly up more than +8%, driven by hopes from Pfizer's deal with the US government [15] - Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks also saw gains, with Super Micro Computer closing up more than +9% and Micron Technology up more than +8% [16] - Grocery retailers declined after Amazon announced a new private-label food brand, leading to Dollar Tree and Dollar General closing down more than -4% and -3% respectively [22] Upcoming Economic Data - Weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to increase by +7,000 to 225,000, and August factory orders are expected to rise by +1.4% month-over-month [9] - September nonfarm payrolls are anticipated to increase by +51,000, with the unemployment rate expected to remain unchanged at 4.3% [9]

Group 1 - Amgen shares crossed above their 200-day moving average of $287.75, reaching a high of $296.76 per share, and are currently up about 5% on the day [1] - The 52-week low for Amgen shares is $253.30, while the 52-week high is $335.88, with the last trade recorded at $297.50 [4]