Bristol Myers Squibb tops quarterly estimates, hikes outlook as drugmaker braces for tariffs

Core Viewpoint - Bristol Myers Squibb exceeded first-quarter estimates and raised its revenue and profit guidance for the year, driven by cost-cutting measures and strong performance in its drug portfolio [1][4]. Financial Performance - The company reported a net income of $2.5 billion, or $1.20 per share, for the first quarter, a significant recovery from a net loss of $11.9 billion, or a loss of $5.89 per share, in the same period last year [6]. - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.80, surpassing the expected $1.49, while revenue was $11.2 billion, exceeding the anticipated $10.7 billion [10]. - Revenue from the growth portfolio reached $5.56 billion, marking a 16% increase from the previous year [11]. Revenue Guidance - The company now anticipates 2025 revenue between $45.8 billion and $46.8 billion, an increase from the prior estimate of around $45.5 billion [2]. - Full-year adjusted earnings are expected to be between $6.70 and $7 per share, up from the previous forecast of $6.55 to $6.85 per share [2]. Market Strategy - China is identified as a critical market, with the "China 2030 Strategy" aimed at addressing unmet medical needs and increasing participation in clinical trials [4]. - The guidance revisions consider the impact of current tariffs on U.S. products shipped to China but do not include potential tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported into the U.S. [3]. Cost-Cutting Initiatives - The company is implementing a plan to reduce expenses by $2 billion by the end of 2027, in addition to $1.5 billion in planned cuts by the end of this year [5]. Product Performance - Sales of Eliquis, a top-selling blood thinner, were $3.57 billion for the quarter, down 4% year-over-year but above analyst expectations [7]. - Opdivo generated $2.27 billion in revenue, a 9% increase from the previous year, also exceeding estimates [11]. - Cobenfy, a recently approved schizophrenia drug, generated $27 million in sales for the first quarter, following disappointing clinical trial results [5][11].