ZACKSยท2025-04-28 17:11Industry Overview - The first-quarter earnings season for the drug and biotech sector is underway, with major companies like Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Amgen, Biogen, and Regeneron set to announce results [1] - Johnson & Johnson and Merck have reported results, both exceeding first-quarter estimates for earnings and sales, while Sanofi had mixed results, beating earnings estimates but missing sales [1] Earnings Trends - As of April 23, 15% of companies in the Medical sector, representing 33.8% of the sector's market capitalization, reported quarterly earnings, with 77.8% surpassing estimates for both earnings and revenues [3] - Year-over-year earnings increased by 4.7%, and revenues rose by 9.4% [3] - Overall, first-quarter earnings for the Medical sector are expected to increase by 35%, while sales are projected to rise by 7.8% compared to the previous year [3] Company Performance Pfizer (PFE) - Pfizer has consistently exceeded earnings expectations in the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 44.16% [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter sales and earnings is $13.88 billion and 64 cents per share, respectively [6] - Non-COVID operational revenues are driving growth, supported by products like Vyndaqel, Padcev, and Eliquis, despite a decline in sales of COVID products [7] Eli Lilly (LLY) - Eli Lilly has had mixed performance, exceeding earnings expectations in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 8.47% [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for sales and earnings is $12.62 billion and $3.52 per share, respectively [8] - Growth is expected to be driven by demand for FDA-approved tirzepatide medicines, although sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound were below expectations [9][10] Amgen (AMGN) - Amgen has shown strong performance, beating earnings estimates in each of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 5.23% [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter sales and earnings is $7.96 billion and $4.15 per share, respectively [11] - Product sales are expected to be driven by strong volume growth, although prices may decline due to higher rebates [12] Biogen (BIIB) - Biogen has consistently beaten earnings estimates in the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 11.80% [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for sales and earnings is $2.23 billion and $3.52 per share, respectively [13] - Lower sales of multiple sclerosis drugs are likely to be offset by revenues from new drugs [14] Regeneron (REGN) - Regeneron has had mixed results, surpassing earnings expectations in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 3.23% [16] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter sales and earnings is $3.28 billion and $8.43 per share, respectively [17] - Sales of Eylea are expected to have declined due to competition, but sales of Eylea HD and Dupixent are likely to have surged [18][19]