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GSK's Specialty Medicines Unit on a Strong Footing: Here's Why
ZACKS· 2025-07-09 14:20
Core Insights - GSK's Specialty Medicines segment is a significant contributor to its sales, accounting for nearly 40% of total revenue and expected to exceed 50% by 2031 [6] Sales Growth - The Specialty Medicines unit has experienced a 17% sales increase in Q1 2025, driven by successful launches in Oncology and long-acting HIV medicines [2][10] - Key products such as Nucala and Dovato are major revenue drivers, alongside new long-acting HIV treatments like Cabenuva and Apretude, and oncology drugs Jemperli and Ojjaara [3] Research and Development - GSK is increasing R&D investments in long-acting and specialty medicines across various therapeutic areas, including Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation, Oncology, and HIV [4] - The approval of Blujepa for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and Nucala for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) supports the growth trajectory [4][10] Regulatory Approvals - Regulatory applications for Blenrep combinations for multiple myeloma and depemokimab for chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma are under review, with FDA decisions expected in 2025 [5] Competitive Landscape - GSK faces significant competition in the Specialty Medicines segment from major pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Merck, and Pfizer [7][8] Stock Performance and Valuation - GSK's stock has increased by 16.3% year-to-date, outperforming the industry average of 0.3% [9] - The company's shares are trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 8.34, which is lower than the industry average of 14.93 and below its 5-year mean of 10.21 [12] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GSK's earnings per share has risen from $4.38 to $4.41 for 2025, while the estimate for 2026 has slightly declined [14]
GSK Stock Rises Almost 22% in 6 Months: Time to Buy, Sell or Hold?
ZACKS· 2025-06-18 15:25
Core Insights - GSK stock has increased by 21.5% over the past six months, driven by strong performance in the Specialty Medicines unit, regulatory successes, and a positive long-term outlook despite challenges in the Vaccines unit and economic pressures [2][22]. Specialty Medicines Unit Performance - The Specialty Medicines unit has shown significant sales growth, with a 19% increase in 2024 and a 17% rise in Q1 2025, primarily due to successful launches in Oncology and long-acting HIV medicines [3][4]. - Key products driving growth include Nucala, Dovato, Cabenuva, Apretude, Jemperli, and Ojjaara, with expectations for low double-digit sales growth in 2025 despite the Inflation Reduction Act's impact [4][9]. - Specialty Medicines currently accounts for approximately 40% of GSK's sales and is projected to exceed 50% by 2031 [4]. Promising Pipeline Developments - GSK is increasing R&D investments in long-acting and specialty medicines across various therapeutic areas, including Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation, Oncology, and HIV [5]. - Recent approvals include the pentavalent MenABCWY vaccine and Blujepa for UTI treatment, with Nucala receiving approval for COPD in May 2025 [5][6]. - GSK anticipates launching five new products in 2025, including Blenrep and depemokimab, with several already approved in the U.S. [7]. Vaccine Sales Challenges - Vaccine sales declined by 6% in Q1 2025, primarily due to lower demand for the RSV vaccine Arexvy and shingles vaccine Shingrix [8][10]. - Shingrix sales fell by 21% in Q1 2025, and Arexvy's global sales dropped by 57%, attributed to revised vaccination recommendations and challenges in reaching consumers [10][11]. - The company expects a low single-digit percentage decline in Vaccine sales for 2025 due to macroeconomic challenges and potential policy changes [12]. Stock Performance and Valuation - GSK stock has outperformed the industry and S&P 500, rising 20.1% year-to-date compared to a 4.0% industry increase [13]. - The stock trades at a forward P/E of 8.63, below the industry average of 15.63, indicating an attractive valuation relative to peers [17]. - Earnings estimates for 2025 have increased from $4.26 to $4.42 per share, reflecting analysts' positive outlook for future growth [20]. Future Growth Expectations - GSK anticipates over 7% sales growth and more than 11% core operating profit growth on a CAGR basis from 2021 to 2026, driven by Specialty Medicines and improvements in General Medicines [23]. - The company has resolved most Zantac litigations, alleviating a significant overhang on the stock [25].