JAZZ vs. HRMY: Which Neuroscience Drugmaker Is the Stronger Play?

Core Viewpoint - Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Harmony Biosciences are significant players in the neuroscience sector, particularly in sleep disorders, with Jazz having a more diversified portfolio and stronger financial performance compared to Harmony [1][2][22]. Group 1: Company Overview - Jazz Pharmaceuticals markets several neuroscience drugs, including the oral sleep disorder drug Xywav and the CBD drug Epidiolex, while Harmony Biosciences has one marketed drug, Wakix, for narcolepsy [1][10]. - Jazz derives over two-thirds of its total revenues from its neuroscience franchise, while Harmony generates all its revenue from Wakix sales [3][11]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Jazz's total revenues for 2024 rose 6% year over year to $4.1 billion, with $2.9 billion from neuroscience and $1.1 billion from oncology drugs [9]. - Harmony's 2024 sales increased 23% year over year to $715 million, with expectations for 2025 sales between $820 million and $860 million, indicating an 18% year-over-year growth [11]. Group 3: Product Pipeline and Development - Jazz's Xywav sales rose 16% year over year to $1.5 billion in 2024, and Epidiolex sales increased 15% year over year to $972 million [4][5]. - Harmony is developing next-generation formulations of Wakix and has acquired Zynerba Pharmaceuticals to explore the cannabis space [12][13]. Group 4: Market Position and Valuation - Jazz has a diversified product lineup, including five oncology drugs, which accounted for 29% of its 2024 product revenues [6]. - Harmony's shares trade at a higher price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.63 compared to Jazz's 5.07, indicating that Harmony is more expensive [19]. Group 5: Investment Outlook - Jazz is viewed as a better investment option due to its diversified portfolio, rising EPS estimates, and robust cash reserves, while Harmony's reliance on a single product presents a concentration risk [22][23]. - Jazz holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), while Harmony has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), reinforcing Jazz's favorable investment standing [24].