Financial Performance & Growth - The company projects total revenue of $11.9-12 billion in 2026[37] - Approximately $1.9 billion was deployed through Q3 2025 for share repurchases, buying back around 4.5 million shares[37] - The company exceeded its goal with CASGEVY revenue reaching $100 million in FY 2025[18] Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Portfolio - The company's CF medicines have the potential to treat approximately 95% of people with CF[16] - CF population average annual growth rate is approximately 3% from 2020-2025[17] - The company's CF portfolio has patent protection through approximately 2040[13] Emerging Renal Franchise - The company completed engagement with over 60 payers representing approximately 190 million covered lives in 2025[30] - Povetacicept in IgAN targets a patient population of approximately 330,000 in the US and Europe, and over 1.5 million globally[31] - Inaxaplin targets approximately 250,000 patients with APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD)[11] Pain Management - The company is targeting over 3x prescription growth for JOURNAVX compared to 2025[22] - JOURNAVX is part of multimodal therapy for acute pain following aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, 90.9% of patients were rescue opioid-free through end of treatment[24]

Group 1 - ClearBridge Investments reported a strong but volatile performance in US equities for Q4 2025, with the S&P 500 Index returning 2.7% and the Russell Midcap Growth Index declining 3.7% [1] - The ClearBridge Growth Strategy achieved its third consecutive quarter of outperformance by maintaining a balanced, highly active share approach, capturing early momentum while providing downside protection during rising volatility [1] - The strategy emphasized disciplined portfolio management and opportunistic capital allocation as part of its long-term investment philosophy [1] Group 2 - Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:VRTX) is highlighted as a key stock in the ClearBridge Growth Strategy, focusing on therapies for cystic fibrosis [2] - Vertex Pharmaceuticals experienced a one-month return of 1.79% and a 52-week gain of 12.21%, with its stock closing at $463.86 per share and a market capitalization of $118.929 billion on January 9, 2026 [2] - The company benefited from growing optimism around its kidney disease pipeline, contributing positively to the health care sector within the ClearBridge Growth Strategy [3] Group 3 - Vertex Pharmaceuticals delivered $3.08 billion in revenue for Q3 2025, reflecting an 11% growth compared to Q3 2024 [4] - Despite its potential, Vertex Pharmaceuticals is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 61 hedge fund portfolios holding its stock at the end of Q3 2025, up from 53 in the previous quarter [4] - The analysis suggests that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk compared to Vertex Pharmaceuticals [4]

Core Insights - Vertex Pharmaceuticals is expected to make regulatory progress by submitting applications for zimislecel, a therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D), which is showing promising results in clinical trials [1][3] - The company is the only one producing medicines targeting the underlying causes of cystic fibrosis (CF), indicating a strong market potential for its products [3] - Vertex's market capitalization is currently $117.7 billion, and it may surpass Pfizer's market cap of $144 billion by the end of 2026 if market conditions favor Vertex [9] Vertex Pharmaceuticals - Vertex is anticipated to improve its financial results in 2026, with new approvals expected for its pain medication Journavx, which is the first oral, non-opioid pain inhibitor approved [3][4] - The company faced significant volatility in 2025 due to roadblocks in clinical development and weaker-than-expected financial results [4] - Vertex has several late-stage pipeline candidates, including inaxaplin for kidney disease, which could positively impact its stock if results are favorable [8] Medtronic - Medtronic has shown strong financial performance, particularly with its Pulse Field Ablation products for atrial fibrillation, and expects this momentum to continue [10] - The company received clearance for its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system, which is expected to enhance its long-term prospects despite not significantly impacting financial results in the short term [11][12] - Medtronic plans to separate its diabetes care unit, which may reduce its market cap by less than 10%, but this move is expected to unlock value and improve operating margins [13][14] Market Comparison - Vertex and Medtronic are positioned to perform better than Pfizer, which is facing challenges such as patent cliffs and disappointing clinical trial results [5][6][7] - The separation of Medtronic's diabetes unit could lead to a larger market cap than Pfizer by the end of 2026, despite the initial reduction in value [14]

Core Viewpoint - Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated's ALPN-303 injection application has been accepted for review by the National Medical Products Administration, indicating progress in the company's drug development pipeline [1] Group 1: Application Details - The application for ALPN-303 injection was accepted on January 6, 2026, with the acceptance number JXSB2600003 [1] - ALPN-303 is classified as a therapeutic biological product and is categorized under a supplemental application registration [1] - The companies involved in the application include Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Vetter Development Services USA Inc., and Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co. KG [1]

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]

Core Viewpoint - Zacks Premium offers various tools and resources to help investors make informed decisions and enhance their confidence in stock market investments [1][2]. Summary by Category Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores provide a rating system for stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, aiding investors in selecting securities likely to outperform the market in the short term [2][3]. Value Score - The Value Style Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks by analyzing financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow, helping value investors find attractive investment opportunities [3]. Growth Score - The Growth Style Score evaluates stocks based on projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow, targeting companies with sustainable growth potential [4]. Momentum Score - The Momentum Style Score assesses stocks based on recent price changes and earnings estimate trends, assisting momentum investors in identifying favorable buying opportunities [5]. VGM Score - The VGM Score combines the Value, Growth, and Momentum Scores, providing a comprehensive rating that helps investors identify stocks with the best overall potential [6]. Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that utilizes earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.81% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][10]. Stock Example: Vertex Pharmaceuticals - Vertex Pharmaceuticals, focused on developing drugs for serious diseases like cystic fibrosis, holds a 3 (Hold) Zacks Rank and a VGM Score of B. The stock has a Momentum Style Score of A, with an 8% increase in share price over the past four weeks [11]. - In the last 60 days, 11 analysts have raised their earnings estimates for Vertex for fiscal 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.59 to $18.40 per share, and the company has an average earnings surprise of +2% [12].

Company Overview - Vertex Pharmaceuticals' shares have increased by 13% year to date, which is slightly below the S&P 500, despite facing several setbacks and disappointing financial results [4] - The company has abandoned the development of certain pipeline candidates, including VX-264 for Type 1 diabetes [4] Future Prospects - Several factors could positively impact Vertex's financial results in the coming year, including meaningful pipeline progress and the potential launch of at least one new product [5] - Vertex launched Journavx, the first approved oral, non-opioid pain inhibitor, earlier this year, with expectations for significant progress in its top-line growth next year due to increased third-party coverage [6] - The company's Casgevy, approved two years ago for treating rare blood disorders, is also expected to make commercial strides in 2026 [6] Core Products - Vertex's core cystic fibrosis (CF) franchise remains robust, as its products are the only ones capable of addressing the underlying causes of the disease, with a significant number of patients still untreated [7] - The company has another medicine for Type 1 diabetes, zimislecel, which has shown promising results in clinical studies by reducing insulin dependence and severe hypoglycemic events [8] Market Expansion - DexCom is actively expanding its addressable market to address current challenges, indicating a strategic move to enhance its market position [8]

Group 1 - Leerink raised the price target on Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) to $525 from $456, maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares [1] - The increase in the price target is attributed to a rise in the terminal growth assumption from 1% to 2% [1] - Leerink expresses optimism regarding the company's revenue and pipeline prospects, which are expected to positively influence stock price performance [1] Group 2 - The firm projects higher investment spending growth than consensus models, indicating a more aggressive growth outlook [1]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Biopharma in North America - **Market Analysis**: The latest weekly Total Prescription (TRx) year-over-year (YoY) growth for the week ending December 19, 2025, was +1.1%, compared to +1.0% the previous week and +0.8% over the past 12 weeks [1][2] Prescription Trends - **Weekly TRx Change**: For the week ended December 19, the US total market weekly TRx YoY change was +1.1%, up from +0.9% a year ago. The rolling 4-week TRx YoY was +1.2%, and the rolling 12-week TRx YoY was +0.8% [2] - **Extended Unit (EUTRx) Growth**: EUTRx weekly YoY growth was +1.4%, which is above the TRx YoY growth [2] - **Sequential Growth**: Sequential weekly TRx growth was +2.3%, a significant increase compared to -1.4% the week before [2] Company-Specific Insights Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) - **Cobenfy Launch**: Cobenfy was approved for schizophrenia on September 26, 2024. The number of prescriptions (scripts) for the week was approximately 2,800, up from 2,710 the previous week. To meet 2025 consensus expectations, Cobenfy TRx needs to track at approximately 2-3 times the volumes from recent schizophrenia launches [3] - **Sales Estimates**: The consensus estimate for Cobenfy has decreased from $196 million to $161 million, implying that around 104,000 TRx are required to meet these estimates [3] Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) - **Journavx Launch**: Journavx was approved for acute pain on January 30, 2025. The number of scripts for the week was approximately 13,060, up from 12,570 the previous week. Hospital scripts accounted for about 39% of total scripts in Q3 [4] - **Sales Projections**: To achieve 2025 sales of $68 million, approximately 303,000 total scripts are needed, assuming a net price of $225 per script [4] Gilead Sciences (GILD) - **Yeztugo Launch**: Yeztugo was approved on June 18, 2025. The latest week total TRx was approximately 780, down from 800 the previous week. The analysis suggests that achieving FY25 sales of $150 million requires incremental weekly script growth from current levels [5][9] - **Market Coverage**: Yeztugo has secured 75% commercial coverage, including major payers, and most do not require copays, indicating alignment with USPSTF guidelines [9] Additional Insights - **Market Focus**: Investors are increasingly focused on 2026, with strong PrEP market growth of +14% YoY and sustained Descovy share of over 45% [9] - **Pricing Analysis**: The pricing analysis for immunology drugs such as Stelara and Tremfya has been updated, showing how additional indications impact price per script [10] - **Biosimilar Adoption**: Comprehensive analysis of biosimilar adoption across various branded drugs has been included, indicating trends in market share and sales [12] Conclusion - The biopharma industry in North America is showing positive growth trends in total prescriptions, with specific companies like BMY, VRTX, and GILD launching new products and adjusting sales expectations. The focus on 2026 and the strong market coverage for new drugs indicate potential investment opportunities in this sector.