Exelixis: The Cash‑Generating Biotech That I Think Deserves a Closer Look in 2026

Core Viewpoint - Exelixis has been gaining recognition in the biotech sector over the past five years, driven by strong financial performance and growth potential, particularly through its cancer drug Cabometyx [1] Financial Performance - Exelixis has shown solid financial results with increasing revenue, earnings, and free cash flow over the past five years, slightly outperforming the S&P 500 during this period [3] Product Success - The success of Exelixis is largely attributed to Cabometyx, which is the top-prescribed cancer drug for renal cell carcinoma and has received multiple label expansions, including combination treatments with established drugs like Bristol Myers Squibb's Opdivo [2] Future Prospects - Exelixis is preparing for potential challenges as Cabometyx may face generic competition by early 2030, but the drug is expected to maintain its market position until then [4] - In March 2025, Cabometyx received approval for treating previously treated advanced neuroendocrine tumors, expanding its market reach [5] Pipeline Development - To mitigate reliance on Cabometyx, Exelixis is developing zanzalintinib, which has completed a phase 3 study for metastatic colorectal cancer, an area with significant unmet medical needs [6] - The company has requested regulatory approval for zanzalintinib in colorectal cancer and plans to explore additional indications, alongside other pipeline candidates that may progress clinically in the coming years [7]