Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is included among the 14 Best Affordable Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. RBC Capital Initiates Pfizer (PFE) with $25 Target, Warns of Structural Revenue Headwinds Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash On February 25, RBC Capital initiated coverage of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) with an Underperform rating and a $25 price target. The firm said its outlook reflects an “insurmountable” $15B-$20B revenue decline expected through 2030, with limited visibility into new products that ...

Core Insights - Pfizer has entered a licensing agreement with Sciwind Biosciences for the type 2 diabetes treatment ecnoglutide, with potential payments reaching up to $495 million based on milestone achievements [1] - This deal is a strategic move for Pfizer to enhance its presence in the metabolic field within China [1] - Ecnoglutide is part of the GLP-1 receptor agonists class, which has attracted investments from various pharmaceutical companies [1] Company Developments - Sciwind Biosciences has received approval for ecnoglutide in China as of January and is also pursuing approval for an experimental version aimed at weight management [1] - The agreement includes an upfront fee and additional payments linked to regulatory and sales milestones, specifically for the commercialization of ecnoglutide in mainland China [1] - Unlike competitors' products, ecnoglutide will not be included in China's state-run health insurance for type 2 diabetes treatments [1]

Summary of Innovent Biologics Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Innovent Biologics (1801.HK) - **Industry**: Biopharmaceuticals, focusing on oncology and immunology Key Points from the Conference Call Strategic Collaboration with Eli Lilly - Innovent announced a strategic collaboration with Eli Lilly on February 8, 2026, to advance early-stage oncology and immunology programs - The deal includes: - **Upfront Payment**: US$350 million - **Milestone Payments**: Up to US$8.5 billion - **Sales Royalties**: Tiered royalties from net sales outside of China - This collaboration marks the seventh agreement between Innovent and Eli Lilly, which began in 2015 with a three-mAb oncology deal [1][6] Roles and Responsibilities - Innovent will retain rights in China and lead the programs from concept to clinical proof of concept (POC) - Eli Lilly will manage late-stage global development and hold rights outside of China [1][2] Industry Trends - There is a growing trend of out-licensing deals from Chinese biopharma companies, indicating recognition from global partners of the potential in differentiated pipelines and fast POC delivery [1] Financial Outlook - Innovent is considered undervalued at current levels, with a market-implied weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 12% reflecting only de-risked indications [1] - The company has a deep pipeline of over 30 assets, including commercialized products like sintilimab, a leading PD-1 inhibitor [1][6] Risks - Key risks identified include: - Intensifying competition in the PD-1/L1 market in China - Uncertain approval timelines for key candidates - Potential restrictions on off-label use due to safety issues - Failure of R&D projects [1][7] Financial Projections - **Market Capitalization**: HK$128.9 billion / US$16.5 billion - **Revenue Projections**: - 2024: Rmb 9,421.9 million - 2025: Rmb 12,783.0 million - 2026: Rmb 17,291.0 million - 2027: Rmb 20,681.3 million - **EBITDA Projections**: - 2024: (462.5) million - 2025: 1,274.8 million - 2026: 3,531.6 million - 2027: 5,106.1 million - **Price Target**: HK$102.85, representing a 29.4% upside from the current price of HK$79.50 [8] Conclusion - Innovent Biologics is positioned to maintain its leading role in the Chinese biotech sector, supported by a robust pipeline and strategic collaborations, particularly with Eli Lilly. The company faces significant risks but also presents a compelling investment opportunity given its growth potential and current valuation [1][8]

Summary of Innovent Biologics Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Innovent Biologics (1801.HK) - **Industry**: Biopharmaceuticals, focusing on immuno-oncology and metabolic diseases Key Financial Highlights - **4Q25 Product Revenue**: Approximately Rmb3.3 billion, representing a 60% year-over-year increase, flat quarter-over-quarter [1] - **FY25 Product Sales**: Rmb11.9 billion, up 45% year-over-year, surpassing Rmb10 billion for the first time [1] - **New Product Portfolio Performance**: Excluding Tyvyt and biosimilars, the new product portfolio generated Rmb1.4 billion, a 13% increase quarter-over-quarter [1] - **Tyvyt Sales**: Reported at US$134 million (approximately Rmb970 million), down 5% quarter-over-quarter [1] Product Insights - **Mazdutide Sales Expectations**: Anticipated back-out sales of Rmb700 million over the next six months, with a dynamic market landscape expected in 2026 due to patent expirations and price cuts from competitors [2] - **Tirzepatide Sales Expectations**: Estimated back-out sales of approximately Rmb2 billion, expected to be a primary growth driver for Eli Lilly's China franchise in 2025 [2] Market Dynamics - **2026 Market Outlook**: The China GLP-1 market is expected to be highly competitive due to: - Patent expiry of semaglutide in March 2026 - Price reductions from competitors, particularly tirzepatide - Introduction of new branded drugs, including HRS-9531 [2] Valuation and Price Target - **Target Price**: Updated 12-month target price set at HK$102.85, down from HK$107.96 [3] - **Earnings Per Share (EPS) Estimates**: Revised for 2025E-2027E from Rmb0.54/Rmb1.43/Rmb2.49 to Rmb0.62/Rmb1.74/Rmb2.54 [3] Investment Thesis - **Buy Rating**: Innovent is considered undervalued, with a strong pipeline and commercialization capabilities [8] - **Key Risks**: Include intensifying competition in the PD-1/L1 market, uncertain approval timelines for key candidates, potential restrictions on off-label use, and R&D project failures [9] Additional Insights - **Pipeline Strength**: Innovent has over 30 assets in development, with promising candidates like IBI363 and mazdutide showing encouraging preliminary data [8] - **Collaboration**: Strong partnerships with global entities, particularly Eli Lilly, enhance Innovent's market position [8] This summary encapsulates the essential points from the conference call, highlighting Innovent Biologics' financial performance, product expectations, market dynamics, and investment outlook.

Core Insights - China's State Council has announced a significant acceleration in the review and approval process for breakthrough therapeutic drugs, indicating strong government support for pharmaceutical innovation and potentially faster market access for novel treatments [2][7] - The Cabinet is committed to promoting green trade and facilitating cross-border e-commerce, aiming to enhance China's global trade footprint with a focus on sustainability and digital platforms [3][7] - Comprehensive measures for facilitating overall cross-border trade were discussed, reflecting a governmental push to reduce friction and improve efficiency in international commerce [4][7] Pharmaceutical Sector - The acceleration in the review and approval process for therapeutic drugs is expected to benefit domestic biotech and pharmaceutical companies, streamlining their path from development to commercialization [2][7] - Companies such as BeiGene (BGNE) and Innovent Biologics (1801.HK) may see substantial boosts due to reduced time-to-market for innovative medicines [2] Trade and E-commerce - The promotion of green trade aligns with global environmental initiatives and is likely to stimulate demand for eco-friendly products and technologies [3] - Major platforms like Alibaba (BABA) and JD.com (JD) are expected to be empowered in their international operations due to the emphasis on cross-border e-commerce [3] - The initiative aims to drive growth in environmentally friendly exports and imports while expanding the reach and efficiency of online international commerce [7]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry and Company Overview - The conference call focuses on the **Asia Strategy Baskets** provided by Goldman Sachs, which aim to offer investors a platform for generating ideas and tracking Asian equities through various macroeconomic and thematic lenses [1][40]. Core Themes and Insights Value Cyclicals and GARP - The strategy favors **Growth at a Reasonable Price (GARP)** and **Value Cyclicals** due to uncertainty around market pricing of Federal Reserve cuts, resilient emerging market growth, and above-average equity valuations. GARP has delivered an **8%** and **18%** excess return over the past **3** and **6 months** respectively [4][7]. Macro Divergence - The strategic competition between the **US** and **China** is driving **US reindustrialization**, which is expected to create investment opportunities for Asian companies in the US supply chain. This theme is preferred over European and Chinese sales exposure due to growth headwinds in Europe and China's shift towards targeted stimulus [8][15]. Shareholder Yield - Policy-driven improvements in dividends, buybacks, return on equity (ROE), and governance in **China**, **Korea**, and **Japan** support the recommendation for **High Dividend Yield with Growth**. Key themes include **China Shareholder Return Portfolio**, **Korea Dividend Tax Reform**, and **Japan Buyback Momentum** [9][17]. Earnings Momentum - Dynamic earnings revision factors have consistently delivered alpha across market cycles, with **Consensus Revision Winners vs. Losers** showing a **31 percentage point** year-to-date (YTD) performance and **Strong vs. Weak Earnings Revisions** showing a **43 percentage point** YTD performance [10][23]. Regional Structural Themes AI Beneficiaries - The call highlights the importance of **AI infrastructure** and applications, recommending investments in **AIGC Hardware**, **Semiconductors**, and **Internet/Software** due to strong fundamentals and accelerated adoption [12][27]. Power Up Asia - The strategy emphasizes investments in **Nuclear** for clean baseload power, **Renewables** supported by China's policies, and core holdings in **Power & Electricity** for stable earnings and attractive valuations [12][33]. Defense Spending - Rising geopolitical risks are expected to benefit **Aerospace & Defense** and **Non-Core Defense Suppliers**, making them a hedge against geopolitical uncertainties [12][29]. Market-Specific Themes China - Targeted policies continue to support strategic areas, including the **China 15th Five-Year Plan Portfolio** and **Prominent 10** [11][35]. Korea - Governance reforms and value-up programs support dividend tax reform and treasury share cancellations [14][31]. India - The focus is on domestic themes such as self-sufficiency, mass-consumption revival, and new economy sectors, with an upgrade to **Overweight** for India in November [14][37]. Additional Insights - The call emphasizes the importance of monitoring macroeconomic conditions, liquidity, and borrowing constraints when trading the discussed baskets, as past performance is not indicative of future results [41]. This summary encapsulates the key themes and insights from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the investment strategies and market dynamics discussed.

Market Performance - Hong Kong stocks rose for a third consecutive day, with the Hang Seng Index closing at 25,690.53, up 0.8%, marking its longest winning streak in three weeks [1][2] - The Hang Seng Tech Index increased by 1.1%, while the CSI 300 Index on the mainland climbed 0.3% and the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.4% [2] Sector Performance - Chinese pharmaceutical firms showed strong gains, with Innovent Biologics rising 2.1% to HK$83.25 and Wuxi AppTec increasing by 1.5% to HK$103.80, driven by optimism about China's potential as a global hub for innovative drugs [3] - Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group saw a 3.1% increase to HK$12.70 after raising prices on some products [3] - Major tech companies also experienced gains, with Alibaba Group Holding up 0.8% to HK$145.30 and Tencent Holdings adding 1.5% to HK$614 [3] Economic Context - Cooling US inflation is expected to alleviate concerns about a potential global bubble in artificial intelligence, which has been exacerbated by high valuations and significant investments in data centers [5][6] - Core US inflation was reported at 2.6% in November, the slowest pace since early 2021, with overall consumer prices rising 2.7% year on year, below the consensus estimate of 3.1% [6] Weekly Summary - Despite the recent gains, the Hang Seng Index finished the week down 1.1% due to significant losses in the first two trading days, primarily driven by concerns over the AI bubble [2][7] - Notable decliners for the week included Xiaomi, Baidu, and Alibaba Group Holding, each sliding more than 5%, while Li Ning and CSPC Pharmaceutical Group emerged as top performers with gains of about 7% [7]

Core Viewpoint - Ascentage Pharma presented four-year follow-up data for Olverembatinib, demonstrating its long-term efficacy and safety in treating TKI-resistant/intolerant chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP) at the 67th ASH Annual Meeting [1][2][3] Group 1: Efficacy Results - Olverembatinib showed a median event-free survival (EFS) of 21.2 months compared to 2.9 months for the best available therapy (BAT) in patients with TKI-resistant/intolerant CML-CP [3][12] - For patients without the T315I mutation, Olverembatinib achieved an EFS of 11.9 months versus 3.1 months for BAT [3][12] - The complete hematologic response (CHR) rates were 85% for Olverembatinib compared to 35% for BAT, while complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) rates were 38% versus 19% [12] Group 2: Safety Profile - The safety profile of Olverembatinib was favorable, with a vascular occlusion incidence of 7% among patients [3][11] - No new safety signals were reported, and the study included patients with and without the T315I mutation [11] Group 3: Regulatory and Commercialization Status - Olverembatinib is the first third-generation BCR-ABL1 inhibitor approved in China for specific CML indications, and it is included in the China National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) [4][15] - Ascentage Pharma is conducting three global registrational Phase III studies for Olverembatinib in various indications, including newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) [4][15] Group 4: Clinical Significance - The data presented at ASH 2025 reinforces Olverembatinib's role in clinical practice for long-term treatment of CML-CP, providing confidence to physicians and patients [5][11] - The study's findings highlight the need for effective treatment options for patients resistant to or intolerant of first- and second-generation TKIs [8][12]

Core Viewpoint - Ascentage Pharma has presented promising updated data on Olverembatinib, a novel drug for second-line treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, indicating its potential as a safe and effective treatment option for patients resistant to prior therapies [1][3][5]. Group 1: Efficacy and Safety Data - Olverembatinib demonstrated a complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) rate of 71.8% and a major molecular response (MMR) rate of 43.6% in patients with CML resistant/intolerant to one prior line of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) without the T315I mutation [3][12]. - In patients who failed first-line treatment with second-generation TKIs, the CCyR rate was 76.7% and the MMR rate was 43.3% [3][12]. - The safety profile of Olverembatinib was consistent with previous reports, with no new safety signals identified [3][10]. Group 2: Clinical Study Details - The study was an open-label, single-arm, multicenter clinical trial evaluating Olverembatinib at 40 mg every other day in Chinese patients with CP-CML resistant/intolerant to one prior line of TKIs [8]. - As of July 24, 2025, 47 patients were enrolled, with 39 patients receiving at least one efficacy evaluation [8][12]. - The median treatment duration was 16.0 cycles, with 89.4% of patients experiencing treatment-related adverse events [10]. Group 3: Regulatory and Commercialization Aspects - Olverembatinib is the first third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor approved in China, currently commercialized in partnership with Innovent Biologics [4][14]. - The drug is approved for adult patients with TKI-resistant CML-CP or accelerated-phase CML harboring the T315I mutation, and is included in the China National Reimbursement Drug List [4][14]. - Ascentage Pharma is conducting three global registrational Phase III studies for Olverembatinib in multiple indications, including CML-CP and newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia [4][14].

Core Insights - Ascentage Pharma has received FDA and EMA clearance for a global Phase III study of olverembatinib in combination with chemotherapy for newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) patients [1][2] - The POLARIS-1 trial aims to accelerate the registration process of olverembatinib in the US and European markets [1] - Initial data from the POLARIS-1 study indicates a 65% minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rate and molecular MRD-negative complete response (CR) rate after three treatment cycles, showing improved efficacy compared to existing therapies [3] Company Overview - Ascentage Pharma is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for unmet medical needs in cancer [6] - The company has a diverse pipeline, including olverembatinib, a third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor, and lisaftoclax, a Bcl-2 inhibitor [7][8] - Olverembatinib has been approved in China for multiple indications in drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and is included in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) [7] Clinical Development - The POLARIS-1 study is a multicenter, randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of olverembatinib in Ph+ ALL patients [2] - The study has also been initiated in China following clearance from the China Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) [2] - Olverembatinib has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the China CDE, highlighting its potential in treating Ph+ ALL [3][4] Strategic Partnerships - Ascentage Pharma has signed an exclusive option agreement with Takeda for olverembatinib, which could lead to Takeda licensing global rights outside of certain regions [4] - The company collaborates with various leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms, enhancing its research and development capabilities [9]