Core Viewpoint - The article suggests that investing in specific stocks can lead to positive returns in 2026, highlighting three companies as top picks for investors. Group 1: Alphabet - Alphabet is well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) products and services, with expectations of significant profits in 2026 [3][4] - Google Cloud is experiencing faster growth compared to competitors like Amazon's AWS and Microsoft's Azure, aided by the launch of the Google Gemini 3.0 large language model [3][4] - The integration of generative AI into Google Search is enhancing search traffic and advertising revenue, contrary to predictions of it being a "Google killer" [4] - The company has a market capitalization of $3.8 trillion, with a current stock price of $313.34 and a gross margin of 59.18% [4][5] Group 2: Vertex Pharmaceuticals - Vertex Pharmaceuticals is expected to see increased momentum for its new cystic fibrosis therapy, Alyftrek, which may cannibalize sales of existing products but is anticipated to boost overall profits [7][10] - The company’s non-opioid pain drug, Journavx, is projected to expand its market access in 2026, leading to higher sales [8] - Vertex is pursuing accelerated approval for Povetacicept as a treatment for IgA nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease affecting a larger patient population than cystic fibrosis [10] - Vertex has a market capitalization of $115 billion, with a current stock price of $453.36 and a gross margin of 86.29% [9][10] Group 3: Enbridge - Enbridge is characterized as a stable investment with a high forward dividend yield of 5.8%, having increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years [12][13] - The company has significant long-term growth prospects, estimating around $50 billion in growth opportunities, particularly in its gas transmission business [14] - Enbridge's operations provide steady cash flow, making it a reliable choice for investors, especially in uncertain economic conditions [15][16] - The company has a market capitalization of $104 billion, with a current stock price of $47.83 and a gross margin of 32.82% [13][14]

Core Insights - Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) is experiencing strong momentum as it concludes 2025, having reported over $3 billion in revenue for Q3, indicating robust financial performance [1] - The company is advancing a notable late-stage pipeline in the large-cap biotech sector, which is expected to drive future growth [1] Company Performance - VRTX achieved over $3 billion in revenue in Q3, showcasing significant financial strength [1] - The company is recognized for its innovative approach in developing breakthrough therapies and pharmaceuticals [1] Industry Context - Vertex is positioned within the large-cap biotech industry, which is characterized by companies focused on life-saving therapies and innovative treatments [1] - The late-stage pipeline of Vertex is highlighted as one of the most impressive in the sector, suggesting potential for future acquisitions and growth [1]

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Key Points Vertex could have several catalysts in 2026, helping it set a strong foundation for the future. DexCom is expanding its addressable market in order to help deal with some current challenges. 10 stocks we like better than Vertex Pharmaceuticals › Broader equities posted yet another strong performance in 2025. Will they keep the momentum going in 2026? That's hard to say. Several factors could affect the economy and the stock market next year. This year turned out to be great despite som ...

Leerink raised the firm’s price target on Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) to $525 from $456 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm cites an increase in its terminal growth assumption from 1% to 2%. Leerink is optimistic about the company’s revenue and pipeline prospects, which it expects to drive stock price performance. The firm would caveat that it projects higher investment spending growth than consensus models. Claim 70% Off TipRanks This Holiday Season Published first on TheFly – the u ...

December 26, 2025 01:59 PM GMT Biopharma | North America A picture is worth a thousand words Comprehensive US drug market analysis (IQVIA Rx). The latest weekly Total Prescription YoY growth (wk ending 12/19) was +1.1% vs. +1.0% last wk and +0.8% over the past 12 wks. GILD's Yeztugo vs. Descovy vs. Apretude launch comparison chart ( Exhibit 4 ). GILD's Yeztugo (lenacapavir) was approved on 6/18/2025. Latest week total TRx (oral + injectable) were ~780 vs. ~800 previous week, and last week TRx for injectable ...

Hardman Johnston Global Advisors, an investment management company, released its “Hardman Johnston Global Equity Strategy” investor letter for the third quarter of 2025. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The portfolio underperformed in the quarter due to stock selection. The composite returned 5.02%, net of fees, compared to 7.62% for the MSCI AC World Net Index. In addition, please check the fund’s top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Ha ...

Amazon - Amazon has deployed over 1 million robots in its warehouses, projected to save up to $4 billion annually in fulfillment costs, with expectations of significantly lifting operating margins for the retail segment by 2030 [1] - The company is investing heavily in AI, with planned capital expenditures projected at $125 billion in 2025, focusing on custom silicon chips to enhance performance and reduce costs compared to competitors [2] - Amazon's advertising segment is the fastest-growing, with annualized revenue expected to exceed $60 billion in 2025, potentially approaching $100 billion annually in the coming years [3] - Amazon Web Services (AWS) remains the primary profit engine, accounting for approximately 30% of the global cloud infrastructure market [4] - In Q3 2025, Amazon reported revenue of $180.2 billion, a 13% year-over-year increase, with net income rising 38% to $21.2 billion [7] Vertex Pharmaceuticals - Vertex Pharmaceuticals has a trailing-10-year return of around 90%, driven by its cystic fibrosis drug franchise and expansion into the rare disease market [8] - The company is diversifying its portfolio with late-stage clinical programs targeting kidney disease, pain management, and type 1 diabetes, supported by a solid balance sheet and substantial free cash flow [9] - Vertex is launching Casgevy, a gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease, and Journavx, a non-opioid medicine for pain management, with significant market interest and regulatory approvals [10][11] - The company reported revenue of over $3 billion in Q3 2025, an 11% increase from the previous year, and is positioned for significant growth through innovation and diversification [14] TJX Companies - TJX Companies has seen a nearly 150% increase in stock value over the last five years, attributed to its effective off-price retail model [15] - The company plans to expand its store footprint to 7,000 globally, enhancing its physical presence in existing and new markets [16] - TJX's business model encourages frequent shopper visits due to its ever-changing inventory and unique product offerings, appealing to cost-conscious consumers [17] - In Q3 2026, TJX reported earnings per share of $1.28 on $15.1 billion in revenue, reflecting year-over-year increases of 12% and 7% respectively [19]

Core Viewpoint - Moderna has transitioned from a clinical-stage biotech to a profitable commercial-stage company due to its coronavirus vaccine, but recent declines in vaccine sales and underperformance of its RSV vaccine raise concerns about its growth potential [1][2] Group 1: Moderna's Current Situation - Moderna's stock has seen a decline in vaccine sales, and its RSV vaccine has not met growth expectations [2] - Despite challenges, Moderna has made progress in cost-cutting and is focusing on promising programs, leading to a stock increase of over 30% in the past month [2] - The company aims for cash breakeven by 2028 and the launch of new products, which may not appeal to cautious investors [5] Group 2: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Overview - Vertex Pharmaceuticals is highlighted as a better investment option for both cautious and aggressive investors due to its strong earnings growth in cystic fibrosis treatment [6] - Vertex's CFTR modulators, Trikafta and Alyftrek, treat nearly 95% of cystic fibrosis patients, with ongoing development for remaining patients [7] - Vertex's revenue increased by 11% to over $3 billion in the latest quarter, driven by its CF products [8] Group 3: New Product Approvals and Pipeline - Vertex has expanded its product line with approvals for Casgevy and Journavx, which could significantly boost revenue in the coming years [9] - Journavx addresses a critical need for effective non-opioid pain management, with over 300,000 prescriptions filled since its launch [9] Group 4: Financial Performance and Valuation - Vertex's stock has increased nearly 100% over the past five years and about 15% this year, indicating strong long-term and short-term performance [11] - The current valuation of Vertex is 25 times forward earnings estimates, a reasonable price given its market leadership and expanding product portfolio [11] - Vertex's financial strength and diverse product offerings position it well for future growth, making it a more attractive investment compared to Moderna [12]

Core Viewpoint - The technology sector, led by artificial intelligence (AI), is on track for a third consecutive year of over 20% gains, but signs of narrowing leadership and increased volatility are emerging, prompting a shift towards defensive stocks to balance risks in tech holdings [1]. Group 1: Defensive Sectors - Traditional defensive sectors such as blue-chip pharmaceuticals, regulated utilities, and essential consumer goods continue to play a significant role in investment strategies [3]. - Quantitative strategist Steven Cress has identified four high-quality defensive stocks that combine durable cash flows, essential services, and key growth metrics, suitable for investment if the tech sector cools down by 2026 [3]. Group 2: Brookfield Infrastructure (BIP.US) - Brookfield Infrastructure operates a global portfolio of high-quality infrastructure assets, generating predictable cash flows largely insulated from economic cycles, supported by long-term contracts linked to inflation [4]. - The company reported a funds from operations (FFO) of $654 million for Q3 2025, with a per unit FFO of $0.83, reflecting a 9% year-over-year growth [5]. - Brookfield aims to distribute 60-70% of its FFO as dividends, targeting a 5-9% annual dividend growth, making it a foundational holding for defensive allocations in 2026 [5][6]. Group 3: Iberdrola (IBDRY.US) - Iberdrola is one of the largest electric utility companies globally, with a strong focus on renewable energy and regulated pricing structures that provide profit visibility [7]. - The company reported a 16.6% year-over-year increase in net profit and a 4.4% growth in adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of the year, supported by robust cash flow of $15 billion [7]. - Iberdrola offers a solid dividend yield of 3.40%, making it an attractive option for investors seeking stability and gradual growth [8]. Group 4: Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX.US) - Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company known for its leadership in cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease, providing strong recurring revenue and industry-leading profit growth [9]. - The company has a low price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of 0.16, indicating an attractive valuation relative to its future earnings growth [9]. - Vertex is diversifying its pipeline beyond cystic fibrosis, which supports its strong forward growth indicators, including a projected EBITDA growth rate of nearly 12% [10]. Group 5: Incyte (INCY.US) - Incyte focuses on oncology and inflammatory diseases, with its flagship product Jakafi being a cornerstone of its revenue and cash flow [11]. - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.20, significantly lower than the industry median, and a PEG ratio of 0.07, indicating strong growth potential at an attractive valuation [11]. - Incyte's recent approval of a treatment option for certain adult follicular lymphomas further supports its growth outlook [11]. Summary - As the technology sector shows signs of fatigue, investors may find better risk-adjusted opportunities in defensive sectors with inherent growth drivers. Brookfield Infrastructure and Iberdrola provide classic, cash flow-driven utility defensive attributes, while Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Incyte enhance the resilience of the healthcare sector [12].