Key Takeaways AstraZeneca posted 8% revenue and 11% core EPS growth in 2025, led by 16 blockbusters.AZN guides mid-to-high single-digit 2026 revenue growth and targets $80B sales by 2030.Pfizer faces COVID declines and a 2026 LOE hit, with sales and EPS seen falling next year.Pfizer (PFE) and AstraZeneca (AZN) are two global pharmaceutical leaders with a commanding presence in oncology. For Pfizer, oncology is a key growth driver, accounting for roughly 27% of total company revenues. Beyond cancer therapies ...

Core Insights - Pfizer is a leading player in the oncology market with a diverse portfolio of approved cancer medicines and a strong pipeline focused on various modalities [1][9] Oncology Sales Performance - Oncology sales account for approximately 27% of Pfizer's total revenues, with an 8% growth in 2025 driven by key drugs such as Xtandi, Lorbrena, Braftovi-Mektovi combination, and Padcev [2][11] - Xtandi generated alliance revenues of $2.19 billion in 2025, up 8% year over year, while Lorbrena sales increased by 40% to $1.02 billion [3] - Padcev sales rose 22% to $1.94 billion, supported by strong demand trends, while Ibrance revenues declined by 6% to $4.1 billion [4][11] Pipeline and Future Growth - Pfizer is investing in Padcev, which has received FDA approval for a combination treatment with Merck's Keytruda for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, potentially expanding its patient population [5][9] - The oncology biosimilars segment contributed $1.3 billion in sales, reflecting a 26% year-over-year increase [6] - Pfizer's late-stage pipeline includes candidates like atirmociclib and sigvotatug vedotin, with expectations of having eight or more blockbuster oncology medicines by 2030 [7][11] Competitive Landscape - Pfizer competes with major players in the oncology space, including AstraZeneca, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers [10] - AstraZeneca's oncology sales rose 14% in 2025, while Merck's Keytruda accounted for over 50% of its pharmaceutical sales, reaching $31.7 billion [12][13] Stock Performance and Valuation - Pfizer's stock has increased by 5.7% over the past year, compared to a 17.3% rise in the industry [18] - The company's shares are trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 9.28, lower than the industry average of 18.86 and its own 5-year mean of 10.22 [20]

Core Insights - Merck (MRK) reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2025 results, surpassing estimates for both earnings and sales, which has boosted investor optimism regarding the company's long-term growth outlook [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - In 2025, Merck's new products, including Capvaxive and Winrevair, generated sales of $759 million and $1.4 billion, respectively, indicating strong market performance [4] - Another product, Welireg, achieved sales of $716 million in 2025, contributing to the overall positive financial results [5] - Merck's shares have increased by 44.1% over the past six months, outperforming the industry average rise of 28.4% [12] Group 2: Pipeline and Growth Opportunities - Merck is facing a significant patent cliff with its PD-1 therapy Keytruda losing exclusivity in 2028, but the company anticipates over $70 billion in potential non-risk-adjusted commercial opportunities from its pipeline by the mid-2030s [2][10] - The company's phase III pipeline has nearly tripled since 2021, bolstered by mergers and acquisitions, which supports long-term growth [6][10] - Merck's recent acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics added a promising antiviral candidate, MK-1406, to its pipeline, which is currently in late-stage studies [7] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Keytruda faces competition from other PD-L1 inhibitors such as Bristol Myers' Opdivo, Roche's Tecentriq, and AstraZeneca's Imfinzi, with Opdivo generating $10.05 billion in sales in 2025 [9][11] Group 4: Valuation and Estimates - Merck's shares are currently trading at a price/earnings ratio of 18.77, which is lower than the industry average of 18.83 but higher than its 5-year mean of 12.51 [14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings per share has decreased from $8.11 to $5.96, while the estimate for 2027 has slightly declined from $10.02 to $9.98 [15]

Core Insights - Pfizer's COVID product sales have significantly declined from their peak, with projections of around $11 billion in 2024 and $6.7 billion in 2025, down from $56.7 billion in 2022. The company also faces challenges from U.S. Medicare Part D and upcoming patent expirations for key products between 2026 and 2030 [1][12] Non-COVID Revenue Growth - Non-COVID revenues for Pfizer are improving, driven by key products like Vyndaqel, Padcev, and Eliquis, as well as new launches and acquisitions. In 2023, Pfizer achieved a record number of FDA approvals, with nine new medicines and vaccines contributing to revenue growth [2][3] - Revenues from non-COVID products rose 6% operationally in 2025, with recently launched and acquired products generating $10.2 billion, reflecting a 14% operational growth year over year. Continued double-digit growth is expected for these products in 2026 [3] Strategic Acquisitions and Pipeline Development - Pfizer is focusing on rebuilding its pipeline through strategic acquisitions, investing approximately $9 billion in M&A deals in 2025, including the acquisition of Metsera and a licensing deal with 3SBio. The company plans to initiate 20 pivotal studies in 2026, targeting obesity and oncology [4][5] Competitive Landscape in Oncology - Pfizer is a major player in the oncology market, competing with companies like AstraZeneca, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers. Each of these companies has seen significant growth in their oncology segments, with AstraZeneca's oncology sales rising 14% in 2025, Merck's Keytruda generating $31.7 billion in sales, and J&J's oncology sales increasing by 20.9% [6][8][9][10] Financial Performance and Valuation - Pfizer's stock has increased by 8.4% over the past year, compared to a 17.3% increase in the industry. The company's shares are trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 9.33, which is lower than the industry average of 18.65 and its own 5-year mean of 10.23 [13][15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pfizer's 2026 earnings has slightly decreased from $2.99 to $2.98 per share, while the estimate for 2027 remains stable at $2.83 per share [17]

Core Insights - AstraZeneca anticipates profit growth in 2026, driven by strong demand for its oncology portfolio despite geopolitical pressures and patent expirations [1] Financial Performance - AstraZeneca reported full year 2025 revenue of $58.7 billion, an 8% increase at constant exchange rates compared to 2024 [1] - Oncology drug sales were a significant growth driver, with revenue increasing 14% to $25.6 billion in 2025 compared to the previous year [1] Key Products - The lung cancer drug Tagrisso (osimertinib) was the top-selling product in the oncology segment, generating $7.25 billion in sales for the year [2] - Immunotherapy Imfinzi generated $6.06 billion in 2025, boosted by US approvals in bladder cancer and gastric cancers [2] - Sales for HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugate Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) surged 40% to reach $2.78 billion in 2025 [2] Future Outlook - Imfinzi and Enhertu are identified as key revenue drivers for 2026, with anticipated cancer indication expansions [3] - Enhertu is forecasted to generate global sales of $14.3 billion by 2031 according to GlobalData [3] - AstraZeneca expects total revenue to increase by a mid-to-high single-digit percentage in 2026, with core earnings per share projected to rise by a low double-digit percentage [4] Strategic Developments - AstraZeneca has modeled the impacts of President Trump's Most Favored Nation policy in its forecasts and signed a pricing deal with the White House in October 2025, exempting the company from tariffs for three years [5] - Citi analysts noted that the 2025 results and 2026 guidance were broadly in line with consensus, describing them as solid and reassuring [6] Long-term Goals - CEO Pascal Soriot is targeting annual sales of $80 billion by 2030, driven by anticipated product launches and broader company development [7]

Core Insights - AstraZeneca reported fourth-quarter 2025 core earnings of $2.12 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.18 per share, with a 1% year-over-year increase on a reported basis but a 2% decline on a constant exchange rate (CER) [1] - Total revenues reached $15.5 billion, a 4% increase on a reported basis and 2% at CER, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $15.78 billion [1] Product Sales & Alliance Revenues - Product sales increased by 7% to $14.54 billion, while alliance revenues rose 33% to $959 million, driven by growth from partnered medicines [3] - Key oncology drugs such as Tagrisso and Imfinzi contributed significantly to revenue growth, with Tagrisso generating $1.9 billion (up 10%) and Imfinzi at $1.75 billion (up 37%) [5][7] Segment Performance - In the CVRM segment, Farxiga recorded product sales of $2.06 billion (up 2%), while Brilinta/Brilique sales fell 54% to $158 million due to generic competition [11][12] - In the R&I segment, Symbicort sales rose 2% to $704 million, and Fasenra sales increased by 10% to $530 million, although Fasenra missed estimates [13][14] Guidance and Future Outlook - AstraZeneca expects mid-to-high single-digit revenue growth and low double-digit core EPS growth for 2026 [19][20] - The company aims to achieve $80 billion in total revenues by 2030 and plans to launch 20 new medicines, with many expected to generate over $5 billion in peak-year revenues [24] Stock Performance - Despite missing fourth-quarter estimates, AstraZeneca's shares rose around 2% in pre-market trading, likely due to its positive outlook for 2026 [23]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue increased by 8% in 2025, with product revenue growing by 10% driven by global demand for innovative medicines [7][18] - Core EPS grew by 11%, aligning with full-year guidance [18] - Operating profit increased by 9%, with a focus on operating leverage [20] - Cash flow from operating activities rose by 23% to $14.6 billion [21] - Core gross margin landed at 82%, consistent with expectations [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oncology revenues reached $25.6 billion, up 14% year-over-year, with Tagrisso, Imfinzi, and Calquence showing significant growth [26][27] - BioPharmaceuticals revenue increased by 5% to $23 billion, with growth medicines outpacing the impact of generic entries [40] - Rare Disease revenue grew by 4% to $9.1 billion, driven by neurology indications and increased patient demand [52] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. market saw a 10% growth, while emerging markets outside of China experienced a 22% increase [11] - Europe grew by 7%, and China grew by 4% despite losing Pulmicort to generics [11] - Alliance revenue surged by 38%, reflecting increased contributions from partnered products [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reach $80 billion in revenue by 2030, with a focus on expanding its pipeline and diversifying its product offerings [7][13] - Significant investments are being made in R&D, particularly in areas like ADCs, cell therapy, and bispecifics [24][50] - The company is prioritizing technologies that will shape the future of medicine, including weight management and cardiovascular treatments [14][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining growth despite known headwinds, including patent expirations and market competition [22][23] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in 2026, with core EPS growth projected in the low double digits [22][25] - Management highlighted the importance of a diversified pipeline to mitigate risks associated with product concentration [10] Other Important Information - The company confirmed a second interim dividend of $2.17 per share, with plans to increase the annual declared dividend to $3.30 in 2026 [22] - The company has over 100 ongoing phase III trials, with significant revenue potential from upcoming readouts [12][59] - Management acknowledged the contributions of outgoing head of investor relations, Andy Barnett, and welcomed his successor, Joris [60][61] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for growth in the oncology segment? - The oncology segment is expected to continue its strong momentum, with several key approvals and product launches anticipated in 2026 [30][31] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges posed by generic competition? - The company is focusing on expanding its product portfolio and enhancing its R&D efforts to mitigate the impact of generics [40][44] Question: What are the key catalysts for growth in the rare disease segment? - Key catalysts include the anticipated readouts for Ultomiris and Strensiq, as well as ongoing market expansion efforts [52][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue increased by 8% in 2025, with product revenue growing by 10% driven by global demand for innovative medicines [7][18] - Core EPS grew by 11%, aligning with full-year guidance [18] - Operating profit increased by 9%, with a focus on operating leverage [20] - Cash flow from operating activities rose by 23% to $14.6 billion [21] - Core gross margin landed at 82%, consistent with expectations [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oncology revenues reached $25.6 billion, up 14% year-on-year, with Tagrisso, Imfinzi, and Enhertu showing significant growth [26][27] - BioPharmaceuticals revenue increased by 5% to $23 billion, with growth medicines outpacing declines from generic competition [40] - Rare Disease revenue grew by 4% to $9.1 billion, driven by demand in neurology indications [52] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. market growth was strong at 10%, while emerging markets outside of China saw a remarkable 22% growth [11] - China experienced a 4% growth despite losing Pulmicort to generics, maintaining its position as the largest pharma company in the region [11] - Europe grew by 7%, contributing to overall revenue growth [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reach 25 blockbusters by 2030, having increased from 12 to 16 blockbusters in 2025 [7][8] - Continued investment in R&D is prioritized to drive growth beyond 2030, focusing on innovative technologies and new medicines [13][24] - The company is enhancing its manufacturing and R&D capabilities in the U.S. and China to support future growth [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the $80 billion revenue target by 2030, supported by a robust pipeline and diverse portfolio [59] - The company anticipates mid- to high-single-digit revenue growth in 2026, despite known headwinds such as patent expirations and market competition [22][23] - Management highlighted the importance of diversification in mitigating risks associated with product concentration [10] Other Important Information - The company confirmed a second interim dividend of $2.17 per share, with plans to increase the annual declared dividend to $3.30 in 2026 [22] - The company has over 100 ongoing phase 3 trials, with significant revenue potential from upcoming readouts [12][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for oncology growth in 2026? - Oncology is expected to continue strong momentum, with new approvals and combination therapies driving growth [30][31] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges from generics? - The company is focusing on expanding its portfolio and enhancing market share in emerging markets to offset the impact of generics [40][44] Question: What are the key catalysts in the pipeline for 2026? - Key catalysts include several phase 3 readouts for innovative therapies in oncology and rare diseases, which could significantly impact future growth [34][46][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue increased by 8% in 2025, with product revenue growing by 10% driven by global demand for innovative medicines [5][18] - Core EPS grew by 11%, aligning with full-year guidance [19] - Operating profit increased by 9%, with a core gross margin of 82% [18][19] - Cash flow from operating activities rose by 23% to $14.6 billion [20] - Interest-bearing debt is close to $30 billion, with a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.2 times [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oncology revenues reached $25.6 billion, up 14% year-on-year, with Tagrisso, Imfinzi, and Enhertu contributing significantly [25][26] - Biopharmaceuticals revenue increased by 5% to $23 billion, with growth medicines outpacing declines from generic competition [38] - Rare Disease revenue grew by 4% to $9.1 billion, driven by neurology indications and global expansion [50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. market saw a 10% growth, while emerging markets outside of China grew by 22% [10] - China experienced a 4% growth despite losing Pulmicort to generics, maintaining its position as the largest pharma company in the region [10] - Europe accounted for 35% of Farxiga's total revenue, with patent protections extending to 2028 [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reach $80 billion in revenue by 2030, with a focus on R&D investments in innovative technologies and new medicines [12][57] - Plans to strengthen manufacturing and R&D footprints in the U.S. and China to support growth [8] - Emphasis on diversification to mitigate concentration risk and ensure resilience against regional disruptions [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining growth momentum into 2026 despite known headwinds, including patent expirations and market competition [21][22] - The company anticipates a mid- to high-single-digit percentage growth in total revenue for 2026, driven by strong underlying business momentum [21] - Management highlighted the importance of continued investment in R&D to drive long-term growth beyond 2030 [12][57] Other Important Information - The company secured 43 approvals for its medicines across major regions in the last 12 months [6] - A second interim dividend of $2.17 per share was declared, with plans to increase the annual dividend to $3.30 per share in 2026 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth beyond 2030 and readouts in 2026 - Inquiry about the $10 billion risk-adjusted peak sales potential and the mix of assets contributing to this figure, as well as expectations for higher success rates following strong performance in the previous year [61] Question: Update on China - Request for an update on the 2026 outlook for China, including new launches and profitability compared to historical performance [62]

Core Insights - AstraZeneca PLC demonstrated strong operational performance in a challenging comparison period, with a commitment to long-term growth [1] - The company reported fourth-quarter revenue of $15.5 billion, exceeding consensus by just over 1% [1] Financial Performance - Core earnings per share were $2.12, with underlying earnings growth estimated at 16% for the year after excluding non-repeating collaboration revenue [2] - Oncology sales increased by 19% to $6.47 billion, driven by strong contributions from Imfinzi and Calquence [2] - Cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism (CVRM) sales also exceeded forecasts, although Farxiga is expected to face generic competition starting in Q2 2026 [3] Expenses and Profitability - Core operating profit fell short of consensus by 8% due to higher-than-expected R&D and SG&A expenses, with R&D accounting for 24% of total revenue [4] - The company is investing in late-stage trials and next-generation technologies, including GLP-1s and bispecifics [4] Future Guidance - AstraZeneca provided guidance for mid- to high-single-digit revenue growth in 2026 and low double-digit EPS growth, both at constant exchange rates [4] - ShoreCap's forecast for 2026 includes 11% revenue growth and 19% EPS growth, which may be revised due to higher finance costs [5] Long-term Ambitions - AstraZeneca aims to achieve $80 billion in annual revenue by 2030, with projections suggesting this target may be beatable at $82 billion [5] Valuation - The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18–19 times for 2026, a premium to peers, justified by a strong pipeline and multiple phase III catalysts expected [6] - Following a sluggish start, shares increased by 1% to 14,044p [6]