Vertex Down Around 9% in Three Months: Should You Buy, Sell or Hold the Stock?

Core Viewpoint - Vertex Pharmaceuticals has experienced an 8.9% decline in stock price over the past three months, attributed to soft first-quarter results, slower uptake of new drugs, and geopolitical tensions affecting economic growth [1][2][10]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Vertex's CF product sales continue to grow, driven by demand for Trikafta/Kaftrio among younger age groups, although there are concerns about a slight slowdown in sales growth [4]. - The company expects CF sales to grow approximately 8% in 2025, supported by the launch of new products and continued demand for existing therapies [10][24]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has increased from $17.69 to $17.82 per share over the past 60 days, indicating positive analyst sentiment [22]. Group 2: Product Pipeline and Approvals - Vertex has gained approval for two new products: Journavx, a non-opioid pain medicine, and Alyftrek, a new CF treatment, with expectations for sales to improve in the second half of 2025 [5][10]. - Casgevy, a CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, is anticipated to ramp up revenues as more patients are treated in approved regions [8][11]. - Vertex's pipeline includes several mid- to late-stage programs targeting various diseases, with four programs in pivotal development and potential regulatory filings expected next year [12][13]. Group 3: Market Position and Competition - Vertex maintains a dominant position in the CF market with minimal competition, which is expected to support continued sales growth despite recent challenges [24]. - The company is addressing concerns about its reliance on the CF franchise for growth by diversifying its product offerings with new therapies [24].