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REGN Gains 21.5% in a Month: Time to Buy, Sell or Hold the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-12-01 15:51
Core Insights - Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) shares have increased by 21.5% year to date, outperforming the industry growth of 10.2% and the S&P 500 Index [1][7] - The stock's rally is attributed to positive updates regarding its pipeline and regulatory approvals, reversing its earlier performance trend [1][7] Pipeline and Regulatory Updates - The FDA approved Eylea HD (aflibercept) Injection 8 mg for treating macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO), allowing dosing every eight weeks after an initial monthly period [4][5] - A monthly dosing option for Eylea has also been approved for various indications, including wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) [5] - Eylea HD sales in the U.S. rose by 10% in Q3 2025 due to increased demand [6] Competitive Landscape - Eylea faces competition from Roche's Vabysmo, which has seen significant uptake [8] - Regeneron is countering Eylea's sales decline with the introduction of Eylea HD, which has shown positive sales growth [6][7] Oncology Portfolio Developments - Regeneron's oncology franchise includes Libtayo (cemiplimab-rwlc), which generated $1.03 billion in sales in the first nine months of 2025, a 21% increase year over year [10] - Recent label expansions for Libtayo have been approved by both the European Commission and the FDA, enhancing its market potential [10][11] - The FDA granted accelerated approval for linvoseltamab-gcpt for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, further strengthening Regeneron's oncology portfolio [12] Dupixent Sales Performance - Dupixent continues to contribute significantly to Regeneron's revenue, with recent label expansions approved for additional indications [14][15] - The collaboration with Sanofi on Dupixent has been beneficial, as solid sales have bolstered both companies' top lines [14] Financial Valuation and Estimates - Regeneron's shares are currently trading at a price/earnings ratio of 23.27X forward earnings, above the industry average of 17.26X [17] - The bottom-line estimate for 2025 has increased by $3.23 to $43.29 over the past 60 days, indicating positive revisions in earnings expectations [17][18] Overall Assessment - Regeneron is viewed as a safe haven in the biotech sector, with ongoing progress in its oncology portfolio and consistent sales growth from Dupixent [19] - However, the decline in Eylea sales poses a challenge, and regulatory setbacks could impact future performance [19][20]
Novo Nordisk Down 15% in March: Is This a Buying Opportunity?
ZACKS· 2025-03-24 16:05
Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk's stock has underperformed significantly in March 2025, primarily due to setbacks in its drug pipeline, particularly related to weight loss efficacy in clinical trials [1][5][26]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Novo Nordisk shares have declined by 15.2% this month, while the industry has seen a decline of 4.6% [1]. - The stock is trading below its 50 and 200-day moving averages, indicating a bearish trend [1]. Group 2: Pipeline and Clinical Trials - The company reported a 15.7% weight loss in obese and type 2 diabetes patients treated with CagriSema, which fell short of the 25% weight loss guidance [5]. - A previous study showed a 22.7% weight loss with CagriSema, also not meeting the company's expectations [5]. - Novo Nordisk is progressing with other candidates for type 2 diabetes and obesity, including amycretin, which showed a 22% weight loss in a mid-stage study [6]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Over the past five years, Novo Nordisk's shares have surged more than 185%, with total revenues increasing by 129% [7]. - The net profit margin has consistently exceeded 31%, reaching a five-year high of 36% in 2023 [7]. Group 4: Market Position and Products - Novo Nordisk holds a 33.7% global market share in diabetes care, driven by products like Rybelsus, Ozempic, and Victoza [10]. - GLP-1 sales in diabetes increased by 21% in 2024, reinforcing the company's market leadership with a 55.1% value market share in the GLP-1 segment [10]. Group 5: Revenue Contributors - Wegovy revenues grew by 86% to DKK 58 billion in 2024, while Ozempic sales increased by 26% to DKK 120 billion [11]. - The company is expanding its manufacturing capacity to support its leadership in diabetes and obesity care markets [11]. Group 6: Competitive Landscape - Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly dominate the obesity market with their respective products, Wegovy and Zepbound [12]. - Other biotech firms are also advancing in the GLP-1 space, increasing competition [12]. Group 7: Strategic Initiatives - Novo Nordisk launched NovoCare, an online pharmacy offering Wegovy at a discounted price to enhance patient access [13]. - The FDA has resolved the shortage of Wegovy, allowing for increased availability [14]. Group 8: Label Expansion and Future Prospects - The company is exploring additional uses for semaglutide, including treatments for heart failure and chronic kidney disease [15][16]. - Recent label expansions for Wegovy are expected to boost sales further [16]. Group 9: Valuation and Earnings Estimates - Novo Nordisk is trading at a premium with a price/earnings ratio of 18.6 compared to the industry average of 16.69 [19]. - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have increased, indicating positive market sentiment [22]. Group 10: Investment Outlook - Despite recent setbacks, the company shows significant growth potential, particularly with the removal of semaglutide from the FDA's shortage list and price reductions for Wegovy [26]. - Long-term investors are encouraged to consider adding Novo Nordisk to their portfolios [28].