EXEL Q4 Earnings and Revenues Beat, Colorectal Cancer Drug in Focus

Core Insights - Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results for 2025, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 94 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 77 cents and up from 55 cents in the same quarter last year [1][2][6] - The company achieved net revenues of $598.7 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $585 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 5.6% [2][4] - Despite the positive results, Exelixis' stock experienced a decline in pre-market trading following the earnings announcement [2] Financial Performance - The growth in net revenues was primarily driven by higher product sales, with net product revenues reaching $546.6 million, a 6% increase year over year [4] - Cabometyx (cabozantinib) generated revenues of $544.7 million, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $554 million but marginally exceeding internal estimates [5][6] - Collaboration revenues totaled $52.1 million, reflecting a 1% year-over-year increase, mainly due to higher royalty revenues from cabozantinib sales outside the U.S. [8] Operating Expenses - Research and development expenses, including stock-based compensation, decreased by 14.4% year over year to $213.2 million, attributed to lower clinical trial costs [9] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses fell by 8% year over year to $123 million, primarily due to reductions in stock-based compensation and personnel costs [9] Share Repurchase Program - During the quarter, Exelixis repurchased $264.5 million in shares, completing a $500 million share repurchase program authorized in February 2025 [10] - Since the initiation of its first share repurchase program in March 2023, the company has repurchased a total of $2.16 billion in common stock [10] 2025 Results and 2026 Guidance - For 2025, Exelixis reported revenues of approximately $2.32 billion, a 7% increase from 2024, with adjusted EPS of $3.08, up from $2 in 2024 [11] - The company expects total revenues for 2026 to be between $2.525 billion and $2.625 billion, with net product revenues projected to be in the range of $2.325 billion to $2.425 billion [12] Pipeline and Regulatory Updates - Exelixis is developing zanzalintinib, a next-generation oral investigational tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with an NDA accepted by the FDA for previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer [14][15] - The company is also advancing several phase I assets and has two new investigational new drug filings planned for 2026 [21][22] Market Position and Future Outlook - Cabometyx remains a leading TKI monotherapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and is gaining traction in the neuroendocrine tumor market [23] - The strong uptake of Cabometyx in the newly approved NET indication is expected to drive future sales growth [24] - The potential approval of zanzalintinib is viewed as a significant catalyst for Exelixis' oncology pipeline, with management expanding sales infrastructure to support growth [24][25]