Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) is included among the 11 Cheap Quarterly Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now. Is Amgen (AMGN) a Safe Bet for Income Investors in Cheap Quarterly Dividend Stocks? Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN), a leading biotechnology company, offers investors a strong and diverse portfolio. It has more than two dozen brands, including several blockbuster drugs that each bring in over $1 billion in annual sales. Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN)’s medicines span multiple therapeutic areas. These include Repatha, ...

Core Viewpoint - The healthcare sector, particularly dividend-paying stocks like Amgen and Merck, presents solid investment opportunities due to their non-cyclical nature and consistent revenue generation even in challenging economic conditions [1][2]. Group 1: Amgen - Amgen is a leading biotech company with a diverse portfolio of over two dozen products, many of which are blockbuster drugs generating over $1 billion in annual sales [4]. - The company reported a 9% year-over-year revenue growth in Q2, reaching $9.2 billion, with non-GAAP earnings per share at $6.02, a 21% increase from the previous year [6]. - Amgen faces patent cliffs and biosimilar competition but has strong growth drivers, including Tezspire for asthma, which saw a 46% year-over-year sales increase to $342 million [7][8]. - The company has a robust dividend profile with a forward yield of 3.4%, having increased its payouts annually since 2011 [9]. Group 2: Merck - Merck is experiencing increased competition for its cancer drug Keytruda, with patent exclusivity expiring in 2028, and has faced declining sales in its vaccine franchise due to paused shipments in China [10][11]. - In Q2, Merck's revenue declined by 2% year-over-year to $15.8 billion [11]. - The company is developing a subcutaneous version of Keytruda to extend its patent life and has received approval for new products like Winrevair for pulmonary arterial hypertension [12][13]. - Merck's forward yield is currently at 3.9%, with an 88.8% increase in dividends over the past decade, making it an attractive option for dividend investors despite current challenges [15].

Summary of Entera Bio Ltd. Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Entera Bio Ltd. - **Industry**: Biopharmaceuticals - **Focus**: Development of first-in-class oral peptide therapies for unmet medical needs - **Ticker Symbol**: ENTX (listed on NASDAQ) - **Cash Runway**: Expected to last until Q3 2026 [2][24] Core Technology and Pipeline - **Technology Platform**: NTAB technology platform enables the development of oral peptide therapies in tablet form, overcoming challenges such as proteolytic degradation and molecular polarity [2][3][4] - **Lead Asset**: EB613, the only oral peptide in development for osteoporosis, is set to enter a phase 3 registrational study [2][4][17] - **Other Pipeline Assets**: Include treatments for hypoparathyroidism, metabolic disorders, obesity, and gastrointestinal inflammation [2][4] EB613 Details - **Mechanism of Action**: EB613 is a PTH(1-34) teriparatide tablet that stimulates bone formation and suppresses bone resorption, aiming to provide a validated mechanism of action in a convenient oral format [6][10][12] - **Clinical Studies**: Phase 2 studies showed favorable outcomes in bone formation markers and bone mineral density (BMD) across skeletal sites [12][13][14] - **Comparison with Forteo**: EB613 has a similar amino acid sequence to Forteo but offers a more rapid onset of action and improved BMD outcomes, particularly at the hip [6][14][15] Osteoporosis Market Insights - **Prevalence**: Approximately 200 million women globally are affected by osteoporosis, with significant fracture risks [7][8] - **Current Treatment Landscape**: Most treatments are antiresorptive drugs, with bisphosphonates being the most commonly prescribed [9][10] - **Patient Access Issues**: Many patients do not receive adequate treatment due to the limitations of injectable therapies and the need for healthcare provider resources [11][19] Phase 3 Study Plans - **Study Design**: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, 24-month study focusing on total hip BMD as the primary endpoint, with secondary endpoints including vertebral fracture trends [17][18] - **Regulatory Alignment**: Recent agreement with the FDA allows the use of total hip BMD as a primary endpoint, a significant milestone for the company [18][23] Market Research and Patient Insights - **Clinician Feedback**: 30% of osteoporosis patients experience suboptimal responses to current treatments, highlighting a need for more effective solutions [19] - **Patient Interest**: 55% of surveyed patients expressed interest in oral bone-building treatments, indicating a potential market for EB613 [19] Future Developments - **Partnership with OPKO Health**: Development of an oral oxyntomodulin tablet is underway, with an IND filing expected in early 2026 [5][20] - **Additional Programs**: Plans to validate a different peptide for hypoparathyroidism and to present supplemental data at upcoming conferences [23] Conclusion - Entera Bio Ltd. is positioned to address significant unmet needs in osteoporosis treatment with its innovative oral peptide therapies, particularly EB613, which aims to enhance patient access and compliance compared to existing injectable options [2][19][24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 9% year-over-year revenue growth and a 13% volume growth in the second quarter [5] - Non-GAAP earnings per share grew by 21% year-over-year [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In general medicine, Repatha achieved $689 million in sales, growing at 31% year-over-year, while Evenity reached $518 million in sales with a growth of 32% year-over-year [8] - The rare disease segment is now annualizing at over $5 billion, with significant growth from Oplisna and a successful launch in IgG4 related disease [9][10] - The oncology portfolio saw BLINCYTO grow by 45% year-over-year, and IMDELTRA grew at 65% quarter-over-quarter, generating $134 million in sales [13] - The inflammation segment, particularly TestFire, grew by 46% year-over-year in severe uncontrolled asthma [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its presence in Japan with the successful launch of TEPEZZA and is having ongoing conversations with payers in Europe [70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a commitment to innovation, execution excellence, and disciplined capital allocation, with an increased R&D spend guidance of over 20% for the year [15][24] - The focus is on expanding the pipeline, particularly in obesity and cardiometabolic risk management, with multiple Phase III studies ongoing [18][19][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the ability to serve more patients and address unmet medical needs, highlighting the importance of both inline products and pipeline innovations [72] - The company is well-positioned for long-term growth, with a strong platform and breadth across therapeutic areas [72] Other Important Information - The company has largely completed deleveraging from the Horizon transaction and is on track to return to an efficient capital structure by the end of the year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on Meratide and its safety profile - Management discussed the Phase II study's focus on dose escalation and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Meratide, which allow for smooth titration to target doses [26][27] Question: Broader program for Meratide - Management highlighted the broad maritime program, including studies in cardiovascular disease and chronic weight management, indicating significant potential in these areas [33][32] Question: Opportunities with Repatha and Vesalius CV trial - Management noted that the Vesalius study will add to the evidence supporting Repatha's use in primary prevention, which is crucial for payer acceptance [42] Question: Positioning of Aplizna in the market - Management emphasized Aplizna's stable efficacy, steroid tapering capability, and attractive dosing schedule as key differentiators in the market [66][67] Question: Progress in geographical expansion post-Horizon deal - Management confirmed successful sales of TEPEZZA in Japan and ongoing discussions with European payers, indicating positive progress in geographical expansion [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 9% year-over-year revenue growth and a 21% growth in non-GAAP earnings per share [5][15] - Volume growth was reported at 13% year-over-year [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In general medicine, Repatha achieved $689 million in sales, growing 31% year-over-year, while Evenity reached $518 million, growing 32% year-over-year [6] - Rare disease segment is now annualizing at over $5 billion, with significant growth from Oplisna and TEPEZZA [7][10] - Oncology portfolio saw BLINCYTO grow 45% year-over-year, and IMDELTRA grew 65% quarter-over-quarter, generating $134 million in sales [11] - Inflammation products, particularly TestFire, grew 46% year-over-year in severe uncontrolled asthma [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its presence in Japan with TEPEZZA and has received approval in Europe, indicating a focus on geographical expansion [71] - The rare disease market is expected to grow, with the company leveraging its manufacturing capabilities to enhance market access [70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a commitment to innovation across its therapeutic areas, focusing on execution excellence and disciplined capital allocation [24] - Increased R&D spending guidance to over 20% this year reflects the company's prioritization of innovation [14] - The company is exploring business development opportunities, including acquisitions and partnerships, to expand its portfolio [37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's ability to deliver growth and innovation, citing a strong pipeline and the potential for new product launches [24][74] - The focus remains on addressing unmet medical needs and expanding access to therapies for patients [73] Other Important Information - The company has largely completed deleveraging from the Horizon transaction and aims to return to an efficient capital structure by year-end [15] - The pipeline includes multiple Phase III studies across various therapeutic areas, indicating a robust development strategy [16][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on Meratide's safety and dosing - Management discussed the ongoing Phase II study addressing dose escalation and the potential for lower doses to maintain tolerability [26][27] Question: Broader program for Meratide - The company is exploring additional indications for Meratide, including cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea, based on encouraging Phase II data [33][32] Question: Repatha's opportunity in primary prevention - Management highlighted the Vesalius study's potential to reinforce the value of Repatha in primary care settings [40][41] Question: Olpasiran's positioning in cardiovascular disease - The company believes Olpasiran could achieve significant reductions in Lp(a) levels, differentiating it from competitors [47][50] Question: TESPIRE's potential in COPD - Management expressed confidence in TESPIRE's effectiveness in COPD based on its mechanism of action and previous data in severe asthma [56][58] Question: Bimertuzumab's regulatory filing approach - The decision on regulatory filing will depend on the totality of evidence from ongoing studies [63] Question: Aplizna's market positioning - Aplizna is positioned strongly in the market due to its dosing schedule and efficacy in treating IgG4 related disease and generalized myasthenia gravis [66][68] Question: Progress in geographical expansion post-Horizon deal - The company is successfully launching products in new markets, including Japan, and is optimistic about future growth in rare diseases [71][70]

Core Insights - Amgen's stock has increased by 13.5% year-to-date, outperforming the industry, sector, and S&P 500 Index [1][9][10] Revenue Drivers - Key medicines such as Repatha, Evenity, and Blincyto, along with newer products like Tavneos and Tezspire, are driving sales growth, compensating for declines in oncology biosimilars and mature products like Enbrel [4][7][10] - Revenues increased by 9.4% in the first half of 2025 due to rising patient demand for innovative medicines [6] - Rare disease drugs from the acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics are also contributing to revenue growth [7] Pipeline Developments - Amgen is focusing on the obesity candidate MariTide, which is in phase III studies, and has shown promising results in clinical trials [12][14] - Additional indications for existing drugs like Kyprolis and Uplizna are being evaluated, with potential approvals expected to drive further growth [8][10] Biosimilars Performance - New biosimilars launched in 2025, including Wezlana and Pavblu, generated significant sales, contributing to a total of $1.4 billion from biosimilars in the first half of 2025 [18][20] - Amgen's biosimilars have accumulated nearly $12 billion in sales since their first launch in 2018, enhancing top-line growth [20] Competitive Landscape - Sales of key drugs Prolia and Xgeva are expected to decline due to biosimilar competition following patent expirations [22] - Pricing pressures and competitive challenges are impacting sales of some products, particularly Otezla and Lumakras [23] Valuation and Estimates - Amgen's shares are trading at a price/earnings ratio of 13.53, lower than the industry average of 14.85, indicating reasonable valuation [24] - Consensus estimates for earnings per share have increased for 2025 and 2026, reflecting positive sentiment [27][29]

Core Insights - Amgen (AMGN) reported strong quarterly performance with second-quarter 2025 earnings and sales exceeding estimates, showcasing consistent top-line growth [1][3] - Total revenues increased by 9% year over year to $9.2 billion, with product revenues also rising by 9% to $8.77 billion, driven primarily by volume growth despite declining drug prices [1][6] Revenue Performance - Amgen's total revenues rose 9% year over year to $9.2 billion, with product revenues increasing to $8.77 billion [1][6] - Fifteen of Amgen's products, including Repatha, Blincyto, Tezspire, Uplizna, Tavneos, and Evenity, achieved double-digit volume growth [2] - Rare disease drugs contributed significantly, with sales rising 19% year over year to nearly $1.4 billion, now annualizing at over $5 billion [8] Key Drug Performance - Repatha generated revenues of $696 million, up 31% year over year, driven by a 36% increase in volume [5] - Evenity recorded sales of $518 million, up 32% year over year, benefiting from solid volume growth [6] - Prolia revenues decreased by 4% year over year to $1.12 billion due to lower pricing [7] - Blincyto sales rose 45% year over year to $384 million, driven by broad prescribing [12] Oncology and Biosimilars - Amgen's oncology portfolio grew 14% year over year, generating over $2.2 billion in sales [12] - Biosimilar sales surged 40% year over year to $661 million, with new launches contributing to growth [15][16] Established Products and Inflammation Drugs - Sales of established products decreased by 5% year over year to $533 million [22] - Otezla sales increased by 14% to $618 million, driven by volume growth [19] Future Outlook - Amgen raised its revenue and earnings outlook for 2025, expecting total revenues in the range of $35 billion to $36 billion [23] - Key drugs like Repatha, Evenity, Tezspire, and oncology drugs are expected to drive growth, although pricing pressures may offset some gains [24][25]

Core Viewpoint - Amgen Inc. reported strong second-quarter results, surpassing analyst expectations, but its shares are trading lower due to ongoing investor concerns about its experimental weight-loss drug, MariTide [1][4]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings for the second quarter were $6.02 per share, a 21% increase year over year, exceeding the consensus estimate of $5.24 [1]. - Quarterly sales reached $9.18 billion, up 9%, also beating Wall Street's estimate of $8.87 billion [1]. - Product sales grew by 9%, driven by a 13% increase in volume, partially offset by a 3% decrease in net selling price [2]. Future Outlook - Amgen raised its fiscal year 2025 adjusted earnings guidance from a range of $20.00-$21.20 per share to $20.20-$21.30, compared to the consensus of $20.89 [3]. - The sales outlook was increased from $34.30 billion-$35.70 billion to $35 billion-$36 billion, against a consensus of $35.29 billion [3]. Product Focus - Investor attention is heavily focused on MariTide, an experimental weight-loss drug, with ongoing Phase 2 studies for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes [4][5]. - Data readout for the studies is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025 [4][5]. - Analysts express concerns about the trial's ability to address tolerability issues that investors are debating [5]. Competitive Landscape - Amgen has seen clinical and commercial success with several products, including Repatha and Evenity, which support long-term growth prospects [6]. - The company faces near-term challenges from legacy products and competition from biosimilars, but upcoming clinical catalysts are expected to generate investor interest [6]. Stock Performance - As of the latest check, Amgen's stock is trading lower by 5.10% at $284.97 [7].

Core Insights - Amgen reported strong second-quarter 2025 results with adjusted earnings of $6.02 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.26 per share, and a 21% year-over-year increase in earnings [1][10] - Total revenues reached $9.2 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.9 billion, marking a 9% year-over-year growth [1][10] Revenue Breakdown - Total product revenues increased by 9% year-over-year to $8.77 billion, driven by a 13% rise in volume, although this was partially offset by price declines [2] - Other revenues amounted to $408 million, reflecting a 17.6% year-over-year increase [2] Key Drug Performance - Evenity sales reached $518 million, up 32% year-over-year, exceeding both the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $478 million and the model estimate of $461.8 million [3] - Repatha generated revenues of $696 million, a 31% increase year-over-year, also beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $672 million [4] - Prolia revenues were $1.12 billion, down 4% year-over-year, aligning with the Zacks Consensus Estimate but slightly exceeding the model estimate of $1.01 billion [5] - Xgeva recorded revenues of $532 million, down 5% year-over-year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $508 million [5] - Otezla sales were $618 million, up 14% year-over-year, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $535 million [7] - Tezspire sales increased by 46% year-over-year to $342 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $326 million [7] Pipeline Developments - Amgen is developing MariTide, a GIPR/GLP-1 receptor, which has shown strong efficacy in clinical studies, with plans for multiple phase III studies ongoing [17][19] - The company has initiated studies evaluating cardiovascular outcomes and heart failure events in obese adults [19] Financial Guidance - Amgen raised its 2025 revenue guidance to a range of $35.0 billion to $36.0 billion, up from the previous expectation of $34.3 billion to $35.7 billion [13] - Adjusted earnings per share guidance was increased to a range of $20.20 to $21.30 [14] - Adjusted operating margin expectations were slightly lowered to approximately 45% due to increased R&D costs [15] Market Performance - Year-to-date, Amgen's stock has risen by 17.1%, outperforming the industry average increase of 3.2% [22] - Despite strong quarterly results, Amgen's shares experienced a slight decline in after-hours trading [21]

Core Insights - Amgen reported Q2 earnings with a revenue increase of 9% year-over-year to $9.179 billion, exceeding market expectations of $8.94 billion [1] - Net profit surged 92% year-over-year to $1.432 billion, translating to earnings per share (EPS) of $2.65; adjusted EPS was $6.02, surpassing the market forecast of $5.29 [1] - Product sales rose by 9%, driven primarily by volume growth, although partially offset by a 3% decrease in net selling prices [1] Financial Performance - Revenue for the quarter was $9.179 billion, higher than the anticipated $8.94 billion [1] - Net profit reached $1.432 billion, a significant increase from the previous year [1] - Adjusted EPS was reported at $6.02, exceeding market expectations [1] Product Sales - Sales growth was primarily driven by volume increases, with 15 products achieving at least double-digit sales growth, including Repatha, Evenity, and Imdeltra [1] - The overall product sales increase was partially mitigated by a 3% decline in net selling prices [1] Outlook - Amgen raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $35 billion to $36 billion, up from the previous estimate of $34.3 billion to $35.7 billion, with market expectations at $35.4 billion [1] - Adjusted EPS guidance was also increased to a range of $20.2 to $21.3, compared to the prior forecast of $20 to $21.2, with market expectations at $20.91 [1]