While not the most popular biotech company on the market, Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL) has been quietly making a name for itself over the past five years, while delivering strong financial results and solid returns. The good news is that the company could still have plenty of room to grow, and that's why it deserves a closer look this year. Let's dig deeper into Exelixis. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join St ...

Core Insights - Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results for 2025, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 94 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 77 cents and up from 55 cents in the same quarter last year [1][2][6] - The company achieved net revenues of $598.7 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $585 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 5.6% [2][4] - Despite the positive results, Exelixis' stock experienced a decline in pre-market trading following the earnings announcement [2] Financial Performance - The growth in net revenues was primarily driven by higher product sales, with net product revenues reaching $546.6 million, a 6% increase year over year [4] - Cabometyx (cabozantinib) generated revenues of $544.7 million, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $554 million but marginally exceeding internal estimates [5][6] - Collaboration revenues totaled $52.1 million, reflecting a 1% year-over-year increase, mainly due to higher royalty revenues from cabozantinib sales outside the U.S. [8] Operating Expenses - Research and development expenses, including stock-based compensation, decreased by 14.4% year over year to $213.2 million, attributed to lower clinical trial costs [9] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses fell by 8% year over year to $123 million, primarily due to reductions in stock-based compensation and personnel costs [9] Share Repurchase Program - During the quarter, Exelixis repurchased $264.5 million in shares, completing a $500 million share repurchase program authorized in February 2025 [10] - Since the initiation of its first share repurchase program in March 2023, the company has repurchased a total of $2.16 billion in common stock [10] 2025 Results and 2026 Guidance - For 2025, Exelixis reported revenues of approximately $2.32 billion, a 7% increase from 2024, with adjusted EPS of $3.08, up from $2 in 2024 [11] - The company expects total revenues for 2026 to be between $2.525 billion and $2.625 billion, with net product revenues projected to be in the range of $2.325 billion to $2.425 billion [12] Pipeline and Regulatory Updates - Exelixis is developing zanzalintinib, a next-generation oral investigational tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with an NDA accepted by the FDA for previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer [14][15] - The company is also advancing several phase I assets and has two new investigational new drug filings planned for 2026 [21][22] Market Position and Future Outlook - Cabometyx remains a leading TKI monotherapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and is gaining traction in the neuroendocrine tumor market [23] - The strong uptake of Cabometyx in the newly approved NET indication is expected to drive future sales growth [24] - The potential approval of zanzalintinib is viewed as a significant catalyst for Exelixis' oncology pipeline, with management expanding sales infrastructure to support growth [24][25]

Core Insights - The biotech industry is characterized by volatility, with companies like Exelixis and Summit Therapeutics potentially experiencing significant stock price increases due to strong clinical progress in their drug pipelines Exelixis - Exelixis is a small biotech company focused on oncology, primarily driven by its cancer drug Cabometyx, which is facing generic competition expected by early 2030 [2] - The company is advancing its pipeline with the submission of an FDA application for zanzalintinib in metastatic colorectal cancer, in combination with Roche's Tecentriq [3] - Exelixis plans to initiate several phase 3 studies and expects two late-stage data readouts this year, which could positively impact its stock price [5] - If zanzalintinib secures approval and label expansions, Exelixis could see strong stock performance over the next five years, despite the impending patent cliff for Cabometyx [6] Summit Therapeutics - Summit Therapeutics is focused on its leading candidate, ivonescimab, which is undergoing multiple phase 3 clinical trials and has shown promising results against Keytruda in non-small cell lung cancer [7] - The company aims to replicate its success in the U.S. and has data readouts expected this year for ivonescimab in squamous NSCLC [8] - Summit has submitted an FDA application for ivonescimab in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC, with potential for significant stock price increases if approved [10] - The drug is being investigated across 42 studies, with analysts estimating peak sales could reach $53 billion, highlighting Summit's growth potential [11]

Core Insights - Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) reported preliminary unaudited financial results for fiscal year 2025, with revenues of approximately $2.32 billion, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.33 billion [2][8] - The company provided guidance for fiscal year 2026, projecting total revenues between $2.525 billion and $2.625 billion, driven by continued demand for its lead drug, Cabometyx [5][8] - Despite the positive outlook, the stock experienced a decline in pre-market trading on January 12, 2026 [1] Financial Performance - Preliminary net product revenues for 2025 were about $2.12 billion, with cash and marketable securities totaling $1.65 billion at year-end, indicating strong financial flexibility [4] - Research and development (R&D) expenses for 2025 were approximately $825 million, while selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses totaled around $520 million [4] 2026 Guidance - For 2026, net product revenues are expected to be in the range of $2.325 billion to $2.425 billion, reflecting a 3% price increase effective January 2026 [5][6] - Operating expenses are projected to rise, with R&D expenses estimated at $875 million to $925 million and SG&A expenses at $575 million to $625 million [6] Product Developments - Cabometyx continues to be a key growth driver, maintaining its position as the leading tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) [6][7] - The label expansion of Cabometyx to include treatment for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) and extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (epNET) is expected to boost sales further [3][7] Pipeline Expansion - Exelixis is actively expanding its oncology portfolio, with zanzalintinib being a significant near-term catalyst, currently under review for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) [10][11] - The company is also advancing several phase I assets, including XL309, XB010, XB628, and XB371, alongside plans for two new investigational new drug filings in 2026 [14][15] Shareholder Returns - Exelixis has repurchased $2.16 billion of stock since 2023, with an additional $750 million authorization in place through 2026, indicating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [16] Market Performance - Exelixis shares have increased by 24.7% over the past year, outperforming the industry average gain of 19.6% [17]

Core Insights - Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) has announced a collaboration with Natera (NTRA) for the STELLAR-316 study, a phase III trial evaluating zanzalintinib in patients with resected stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC) [1][3] - Following the announcement, Exelixis' stock rose by 6% on January 7, and the shares have increased by 33.9% over the past year, outperforming the industry gain of 17.2% [1] Study Details - The STELLAR-316 study is set to begin in mid-2026 and will assess zanzalintinib, a novel oral kinase inhibitor, both alone and in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor [3][7] - Eligible patients for the trial are those with molecular residual disease (MRD)-positive CRC, as determined by Natera's Signatera test, after definitive therapy [3][4] - The primary endpoint of the study is disease-free survival, with a secondary endpoint focusing on the clearance of circulating tumor DNA [4][7] Zanzalintinib Development - Zanzalintinib is also being evaluated for advanced solid tumors, including CRC, kidney cancer, and neuroendocrine tumors [8] - Exelixis has submitted a new drug application (NDA) to the FDA for zanzalintinib in combination with Roche's Tecentriq for previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer, supported by positive results from the STELLAR-303 study [9][10] - The STELLAR-303 trial demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the risk of death compared to Stivarga, with consistent overall survival benefits across various subgroups [10][11] Future Plans - Exelixis is planning additional pivotal trials for zanzalintinib, including studies in post-chemotherapy adjuvant CRC settings and high-grade recurrent meningiomas [12][13] - The company aims to expand its oncology portfolio beyond its lead drug, Cabometyx, which has recently received label expansion for treating neuroendocrine tumors [14]

Core Insights - The healthcare sector underperformed in 2025, but there are still solid investment opportunities in smaller biotech companies [1] - Axsome Therapeutics and Exelixis are highlighted as promising investment options for 2026 and beyond [2] Axsome Therapeutics - Axsome Therapeutics has made steady clinical and regulatory progress, with approved products including Auvelity for depression, Symbravo for migraines, and Sunosi for narcolepsy [3] - The company is close to earning approval for Auvelity in treating Alzheimer's disease agitation, which could address a significant unmet need, as approximately 5 million patients in the U.S. experience this condition [4] - Axsome's revenue for the first nine months of 2025 reached $442.5 million, marking a 65.8% increase year-over-year [7] - The company has several late-stage pipeline candidates, including AXS-12 for narcolepsy and AXS-14 for fibromyalgia, which could further boost revenue [6][8] Exelixis - Exelixis specializes in oncology, primarily generating revenue from Cabometyx, which is approved for various cancers, including liver and kidney cancer [9] - The company reported $1.7 billion in revenue for the first nine months of 2025, a 7.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [10] - Exelixis has successfully defended its patent rights, delaying generic competition until the next decade [10] - The company is developing new products, including Zanzalintinib for metastatic colorectal cancer, which has shown strong phase 3 results and could significantly impact sales [12][14] - Exelixis is expected to submit regulatory applications soon, which will help diversify its portfolio beyond Cabometyx [13]

Core Insights - Exelixis reported better-than-expected Q3 2025 earnings, with adjusted earnings of 78 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 68 cents, and up from 47 cents in the same quarter last year [3][4] - Net revenues reached $598 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $589 million, and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.8% [4] - The growth in revenues was primarily driven by a 13.5% increase in net product revenues, totaling $542.9 million, attributed to higher sales volume [5] Financial Performance - Cabometyx generated revenues of $540 million, slightly above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $539 million, and Cometriq contributed $3.1 million in net product revenues [6] - Collaboration revenues totaled $54.8 million, down 10.8% from $61.5 million in the previous year, mainly due to lower milestone-related revenues [9] - Research and development expenses decreased by 10.5% year over year to $199.2 million, while selling, general, and administrative expenses rose by 10.6% to $123.7 million [10] Stock Repurchase Program - Exelixis has repurchased $895.3 million of its common stock under its stock repurchase programs, with plans to complete the February 2025 authorization by Q4 2025 [12] - In October, the board authorized an additional $750 million for stock repurchases, to be completed before December 31, 2026 [12] Guidance and Estimates - The company updated its 2025 revenue guidance to a range of $2.30 billion to $2.35 billion, with net product revenues expected between $2.10 billion and $2.15 billion [13] - Research and development expenses are now anticipated to be between $850 million and $900 million, while selling, general, and administrative expenses are expected to be in the range of $500 million to $525 million [14] Pipeline and Regulatory Updates - Exelixis is developing zanzalintinib, with positive results from the STELLAR-303 study, and plans to submit a new drug application for its use in metastatic colorectal cancer by the end of 2025 [15][17] - The company has initiated a phase I study of XB371, its next-generation tissue factor-targeting antibody-drug conjugate [20] Market Performance - Exelixis has seen a 19.65% upward shift in consensus estimates over the past month, indicating positive investor sentiment [21] - The stock has a VGM Score of A, reflecting strong growth and momentum, and is positioned in the top 40% for value [22]

Group 1: Axsome Therapeutics - Axsome Therapeutics has shown strong clinical and regulatory progress, with a 63% year-over-year revenue increase to $171 million in Q3 [3][6] - The company’s main growth driver is Auvelity, approved for major depressive disorder, and it has received approval for Symbravo, a migraine medication [4][3] - Axsome estimates a potential of over $16 billion in peak sales across all its targeted indications, indicating a large addressable market [6][7] - The company has several late-stage pipeline candidates, including AXS-12 for narcolepsy, which could further enhance its growth prospects [6][8] Group 2: Exelixis - Exelixis specializes in cancer medicine, with Cabometyx as its primary product, approved for multiple indications, contributing to a 10.8% year-over-year revenue increase to $597.8 million in Q3 [9][10] - The company successfully won a lawsuit to keep generic competition for Cabometyx off the market until 2030, boosting its medium-term outlook [10] - Exelixis is developing new cancer therapies, including zanzalintinib for metastatic colorectal cancer, which has shown promise in clinical trials [12][13] - The ongoing development of new treatments and the upward sales trajectory of Cabometyx could enhance Exelixis's stock performance in the coming years [13]

Core Insights - Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) reported better-than-expected results for Q3 2025, with adjusted earnings of 78 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 68 cents and up from 47 cents in the same quarter last year [1][8] - Net revenues reached $598 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $589 million and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.8% [2][8] - The company's stock has increased by 13.9% year-to-date, outperforming the industry gain of 10.9% [4] Financial Performance - The year-over-year revenue growth was driven by higher product sales, with net product revenues of $542.9 million, up 13.5% year over year [5][8] - Cabometyx (cabozantinib) generated revenues of $540 million, slightly above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $539 million [6][8] - Collaboration revenues totaled $54.8 million, down 10.8% from $61.5 million in the previous year, primarily due to lower milestone-related revenues [10] Expense Management - Research and development expenses amounted to $199.2 million, down 10.5% year over year, attributed to decreased clinical trial costs [11] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to $123.7 million, up 10.6% year over year, mainly due to higher stock-based compensation [11] Stock Repurchase Program - Exelixis has repurchased $895.3 million of its common stock as of September 30, 2025, under its stock repurchase programs [12][13] - The board authorized an additional $750 million for repurchase before December 31, 2026 [13] Updated Guidance - The company narrowed its 2025 revenue outlook to $2.30-$2.35 billion, with net product revenues estimated between $2.10-$2.15 billion [14] - Research and development expenses are now expected to be in the range of $850-$900 million, while selling, general, and administrative expenses are anticipated to be $500-$525 million [15] Pipeline Developments - Exelixis is developing zanzalintinib, a next-generation oral investigational tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with positive results from the STELLAR-303 study [16][17] - The company plans to submit a new drug application for zanzalintinib in combination with atezolizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer by the end of 2025 [19] - Exelixis has initiated several ongoing phase I studies for its pipeline programs, including XB371, a next-generation tissue factor-targeting antibody-drug conjugate [22] Market Position - Overall performance in the quarter was encouraging, with a beat in both earnings and sales, and initial demand for Cabometyx in the newly approved indication is promising [23]

Group 1: Axsome Therapeutics - Axsome Therapeutics is a mid-cap biotech company with three products on the market: Auvelity, Symbravo, and Sunosi, driving strong revenue growth, with a 72% year-over-year increase to $150 million in Q2 [3][4] - The launch of Symbravo in June presents a significant growth opportunity, targeting a market of 39 million migraine patients in the U.S., where over 70% have inadequate responses to current treatments [4][5] - Auvelity shows promise in treating agitation associated with Alzheimer's disease, with a potential market of 7 million patients, and is on track to achieve blockbuster status [5][6] - The company is advancing its pipeline with AXS-12 for narcolepsy and other late-stage trials, positioning itself for continued revenue growth and market outperformance [6] Group 2: Exelixis - Exelixis specializes in oncology, known for its drug Cabometyx, which treats liver and kidney cancers and continues to drive revenue growth despite a reported 11% drop in total revenue to $568.3 million due to lower collaboration revenue [7][8] - Net product revenue for Exelixis increased by 19% year-over-year to $520 million, with Cabometyx expected to maintain strong sales through early 2030, fending off generic competition [8][9] - The company is focused on developing cancer therapies for high unmet needs, with its candidate zanzalintinib showing promise in metastatic colorectal cancer, which could address a significant treatment gap [9][10] - Exelixis has additional candidates in its pipeline, and strong clinical progress alongside Cabometyx's revenue growth is expected to yield strong returns through the end of the decade [10]