Baron Funds, an investment management company, released its fourth-quarter investor letter for the “Baron Health Care Fund”. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The fund rose 13.10% (Institutional Shares) in the quarter, compared to a 11.92% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index (benchmark) and a 2.40% gain for the Russell 3000 Index (the Index). The Fund returned 10.28% for the full year, compared to 14.56% and 17.15% gains for the indexes, respectively. Strong stock selection in biotechnol ...

Financial Performance and Outlook - Elanco expects organic constant currency revenue growth starting in 2025[10] - The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA growth starting in 2026[10] - Elanco projects over $1 billion in total free cash flow from 2026 to 2028[10] - The company aims to reduce net leverage to below 3x in 2027 and further towards 20x-25x[10] - Elanco expects innovation to deliver $11 billion in revenue in 2026, compared to $840-$880 million in 2025[90] Innovation and Pipeline - Elanco's innovation engine is expected to generate $840-$880 million in revenue in 2025[34] - The "Big 6" products are projected to drive $11 billion in innovation revenue in 2026[39] - The company anticipates 5-6 potential blockbuster approvals between 2026 and 2031, with peak sales exceeding $2 billion[10, 61, 90] - Elanco's "Next Wave" innovation portfolio includes over 15 projects across 8 innovation spaces[58, 59] Market and Industry Trends - The animal health industry is projected to grow from $42 billion to $60 billion[11] - The pet health industry is a $17 billion market experiencing mid-single-digit to high-single-digit growth[16] - The farm animal health industry is a $25 billion market with low-single-digit to mid-single-digit growth[17] Elanco Ascend and Cost Savings - Elanco Ascend is expected to generate approximately $200-$250 million in adjusted EBITDA savings by 2030, net of inflation and reinvestment[71, 90] - The company anticipates approximately $25 million in savings in 2026, $60 million in 2027, and $130 million in cash cost[90]

Core Viewpoint - Elanco Animal Health is entering a new phase focused on sustainable growth, margin expansion, and a stronger balance sheet, as outlined during its first Investor Day in five years [1] Financial Outlook - Elanco projects mid-single-digit organic revenue growth, high-single-digit adjusted EBITDA growth, and low-double-digit adjusted EPS growth starting in 2026 [2] - The company anticipates free cash flow of at least $1 billion from 2026 to 2028, with net leverage expected to fall below 3x in 2027, targeting a long-term range of 2.0x to 2.5x [2] R&D Investments - Elanco plans to expand R&D operations in Indianapolis and increase its U.S.-based manufacturing footprint, including investments in its Kansas monoclonal antibody facility [3] - The company expects approximately $1.1 billion in revenue from its innovation portfolio in 2026, an increase from prior expectations for 2025 [4] - Elanco has expanded its focus to eight innovation areas and added two new internal development platforms in monoclonal antibodies and immunotherapy [4] - More than 10 major pipeline programs are in place, with approvals expected for five to six differentiated assets between 2026 and 2031 [5] Cost Initiatives - Elanco detailed its Ascend productivity initiative, expecting $25 million in savings in 2026 and $60 million in 2027, affecting 600 roles through reductions or shifts [6] - A related charge of approximately $175 million is anticipated, with the Ascend program expected to deliver $200 to $250 million in adjusted EBITDA savings by 2030, achieving about 30% of this in 2026 [6] Analyst Insights - Analysts noted initial details on over 15 projects in key areas, including five to six blockbusters, positioning Elanco for three waves of innovation over the next decade [9] - If Elanco successfully executes its pipeline, it is expected to deliver upside to its long-term financial targets [9] - Elanco shares were trading at 21 times the 2026 EPS estimate, with an Outperform rating maintained by analysts [10]

Core Viewpoint - Elanco Animal Health is entering a new phase focused on sustainable growth, margin expansion, and a stronger balance sheet, as outlined during its first Investor Day in five years [1] Financial Outlook - Elanco projects mid-single-digit organic revenue growth, high-single-digit adjusted EBITDA growth, and low-double-digit adjusted EPS growth starting in 2026 [2] - The company anticipates free cash flow of at least $1 billion from 2026 to 2028, with net leverage expected to fall below 3x in 2027, targeting a long-term range of 2.0x to 2.5x [2] R&D Investments - Elanco plans to expand R&D operations in Indianapolis and increase its U.S.-based manufacturing footprint, including investments in its Kansas monoclonal antibody facility [3] - The company is progressing towards final USDA approval for Befrena, a potential blockbuster dermatitis treatment for dogs, with a launch expected in the first half of 2026 [4] - Elanco forecasts approximately $1.1 billion in revenue from its innovation portfolio in 2026, an increase from prior expectations for 2025 [4] - The company has expanded its focus to eight innovation areas and added two new internal development platforms in monoclonal antibodies and immunotherapy [4] - More than 10 major pipeline programs are expected to carry blockbuster potential, with approvals anticipated for five to six differentiated assets between 2026 and 2031 [5] Cost Initiatives - Elanco detailed its Ascend productivity initiative, expecting $25 million in savings in 2026 and $60 million in 2027, affecting 600 roles through reductions or shifts [6] - A related charge of approximately $175 million is anticipated, with the Ascend program expected to deliver $200 to $250 million in adjusted EBITDA savings by 2030, with about 30% achieved in 2026 [6] - The initiative positions Elanco for durable, profitable growth with continued margin expansion and strong cash generation into the latter half of the decade [7] Analyst Insights - Analysts noted initial details on over 15 projects in key areas, including five to six blockbusters, positioning Elanco for three waves of innovation over the next decade [9] - If Elanco successfully executes its pipeline, it is expected to deliver upside to its long-term financial targets [9] - Elanco shares were trading at 21 times the 2026 EPS estimate, with an Outperform rating maintained by analysts [10]