Ligand(US:LGND) Yahoo Finance·2026-01-12 15:32Core Insights - The biotechnology sector presents high-risk, high-reward investment opportunities as companies strive to introduce breakthrough therapies to the market. Three notable biotech stocks are highlighted for potential investment in 2026 [1]. Company Overview: Ligand Pharmaceuticals - Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND) operates as a royalty-based biopharmaceutical company with a diversified portfolio developed through partnerships with major pharmaceutical firms [2]. - The company utilizes its Captisol drug delivery technology platform, which generates consistent revenue from multiple approved medications [2]. Financial Performance - Ligand has a market capitalization of $3.9 billion, with its shares having nearly tripled in value over the past three years [3]. - The company maintains a lean operational structure, generating cash from twelve commercial-stage products while managing a pipeline of over eighty development-stage programs [3]. - Ligand's royalty revenue has doubled since 2022, and operating expenses have decreased by over 50% [4]. Revenue Projections - For 2025, Ligand anticipates core revenue between $225 million and $235 million, with adjusted earnings projected at approximately $7.50 per share [4]. - The company expects royalty revenue to grow by 40% in 2026, driven by products targeting kidney disease, respiratory conditions, and pneumococcal infections [5]. - Management forecasts a compounded annual growth rate of 23% for royalty revenue through 2030, an increase from the previous estimate of 22% [5]. Strategic Initiatives - Ligand's confidence in revenue growth is supported by a strong commercial portfolio and strategic acquisitions, including the Apeiron deal and the Pelthos spin-out, which has created a standalone company valued at around $300 million [6]. - With over $1 billion in deployable capital, Ligand has the financial flexibility to invest in growth projects, targeting annual investments between $150 million and $250 million [7].