5 Very Safe High-Yield Dividend Stocks Boomers Can Hold Forever - 24/7 Wall St.[S&P 5006,919.80 +0.42%] [Dow Jones49,382.90 +0.44%][Nasdaq 10025,095.40 +0.46%][Russell 20002,672.51 +0.79%][FTSE 10010,783.00 +0.64%][Nikkei 22559,570.30 +2.83%][Stock Market Live February 25, 2026: S&P 500 (SPY) Up on Trump and Tech][Investing]# 5 Very Safe High-Yield Dividend Stocks Boomers Can Hold Forever### Quick ReadThe Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 was just 2.8%.The COLA for this year worked o ...

Key Takeaways Bristol Myers emerges as the stronger near-term pick over Merck.BMY's new drugs, label expansions and $2B cost-savings plan support 2026 margins.MRK faces Gardasil weakness, Keytruda exclusivity loss and a $2.5B generic headwind.Merck & Co. (MRK) and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) are major global drugmakers with expansive, diversified portfolios.Merck stands out for its leadership in oncology, complemented by strong positions in infectious diseases and vaccines.Bristol Myers, meanwhile, concentra ...

Core Insights - The company reported flat total revenue of approximately $12.5 billion for Q4 year-over-year, with a growth portfolio revenue increase of 15% to $7.4 billion, representing nearly 60% of total revenue in the quarter [1][5] - The CEO highlighted strong fourth-quarter performance, with the growth portfolio up 15% year-over-year in Q4 and 17% for the full year, nearly offsetting a $4 billion decline in revenue from the legacy portfolio [2][5] - The company anticipates a "data-rich" 2026, expecting top-line registrational readouts for six potential new products and multiple pivotal oncology readouts [3][9] Financial Performance - The company guided for 2026 revenue of $46.0–$47.5 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $6.05–$6.35, forecasting a 12–16% decline in the legacy portfolio due to loss-of-exclusivity [4][13] - Eliquis is expected to grow 10–15% in 2026, but sales are projected to decline by approximately $1.5–$2 billion in 2027 [4][16] - The company ended 2025 with around $11 billion in cash and equivalents, having completed a $10 billion debt paydown ahead of schedule [17] Product Performance - Key products in the growth portfolio include Reblozyl, which exceeded $2 billion, and Opdualag, Breyanzi, and Camzyos, each surpassing $1 billion in 2025 [5] - Opdivo revenue rose 7% in Q4 to nearly $2.7 billion, driven by new indications and market share gains [6] - Breyanzi's Q4 revenue increased by 47%, supported by demand across approved indications, and it received FDA approval for additional cancer types [7] Pipeline and Future Outlook - The company expects significant pipeline activity in 2026, with potential new products including milvexian and admilparant, and anticipates pivotal readouts for Sotyktu and Cobenfy [9][10] - Management is focused on a $2 billion productivity program, having achieved about $1 billion in savings in 2025, with plans to realize the remaining savings in 2026 and 2027 [3][15] - The company is preparing for eight registrational studies expected to commence by year-end, including studies in non-small cell lung cancer [12]

Core Insights - Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.26, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.15, but down from $1.67 in the same quarter last year [1] - Total revenues reached $12.5 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $12.25 billion, and reflecting a 1% increase from the previous year [1] - The stock price increased following the better-than-expected quarterly results [1] Financial Performance - BMY's shares have increased by 28.5% over the past six months, while the industry has grown by 43.8% [2] - U.S. revenues remained flat year over year at $8.56 billion, while international revenues rose by 5% to $3.94 billion [3] - The Growth Portfolio revenues increased by 16% to $7.39 billion, primarily driven by immuno-oncology drugs like Opdivo [6][7] - The Legacy Portfolio revenues decreased by 15% to $5.11 billion, impacted by generic competition on key drugs, despite an 8% increase in Eliquis sales to $3.45 billion [11] Key Drug Performance - Opdivo sales increased by 9% year over year to $2.69 billion, surpassing estimates [8] - Yervoy contributed $810 million, up 20% year over year, and Reblozyl sales surged 22% to $666 million [9] - Breyanzi sales rose by 49% to $392 million, while Camzyos sales skyrocketed by 59% to $353 million [10] Cost and Margin Analysis - Adjusted gross margin decreased to 71.9% from 74% in the previous year due to a change in product mix [14] - Adjusted research and development expenses declined by 8% to $2.56 billion, and adjusted marketing, selling, and administrative expenses decreased by 1% to $2.09 billion [15] Future Guidance - For 2026, BMY provided revenue guidance of $46-$47.5 billion, supported by the Growth Portfolio's strong performance [17] - The company expects adjusted earnings to be in the range of $6.05-$6.35 for the full year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS at $6.08 [17] Pipeline Updates - In December 2025, the FDA approved Breyanzi for adult patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma [18] - A supplemental biologics license application for Opdivo in combination with other drugs for Hodgkin lymphoma is under priority review, with a decision expected by April 8, 2026 [19]

Core Insights - The company demonstrated strong fourth-quarter performance in 2025, with a growth portfolio that increased by 15% year-over-year, contributing significantly to overall revenue [1][15] - The company is focused on executing a multiyear plan aimed at long-term growth, entering 2026 with positive momentum [1][12] - The company anticipates 2026 revenue between $46 billion and $47.5 billion, driven by strong performance from its growth portfolio despite a projected decline in its legacy portfolio [12][13] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q4 2025 was approximately $12.5 billion, with the growth portfolio accounting for nearly 60% of total revenue [15] - Key brands such as Reblozyl, Breyanzi, and Camzyos showed significant growth, with Breyanzi's revenue up 47% and Camzyos growing 57% [18][19] - The company achieved approximately $1 billion in cost savings in 2025, with plans to realize an additional $1 billion in 2026 and 2027 [20][49] Product Development and Pipeline - Breyanzi received FDA approval for additional cancer types, enhancing its market position [6] - The company has multiple pivotal studies planned for 2026, with expectations for significant data readouts that could enhance the growth profile of its portfolio [10][30] - The company is focusing on expanding its product offerings in oncology, immunology, and neuroscience, with several new medicines expected to launch by 2030 [8][11] Market Dynamics - Eliquis is projected to grow by 10% to 15% in 2026, driven by increased global demand and a recent price reduction that enhances patient access [13][40] - The company anticipates a revenue decline of $1.5 billion to $2 billion for Eliquis in 2027 due to generic competition, which is expected to impact its overall revenue [25][82] - The company is strategically focused on business development opportunities that align with its existing therapeutic areas, while also considering new market expansions [39][44]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenue in Q4 2025 was approximately $12.5 billion, flat year-over-year, while the growth portfolio revenue increased by 15% to $7.4 billion, representing close to 60% of total revenue in the quarter [14][15] - For the full year, the growth portfolio grew 17%, offsetting a decline of roughly $4 billion in revenue from the legacy portfolio [6][7] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q4 were $1.26, and for the full year, it was $6.15, both figures including a net charge related to in-process R&D and licensing income [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Opdivo revenue grew 7% to nearly $2.7 billion in Q4, driven by new indications and share growth in first-line non-small cell lung cancer [15] - Reblozyl delivered 21% growth, reflecting solid uptake across first- and second-line MDS-associated anemia patients [16] - Breyanzi's revenue increased by 47% in Q4, driven by strong demand across its approved indications [16] - Eliquis revenue was nearly $3.5 billion in Q4, an increase of 6%, driven by demand growth and market share gains [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates 2026 revenue in the range of $46 billion to $47.5 billion, reflecting strong performance from the growth portfolio and a projected revenue decline for the legacy portfolio of 12%-16% [12][21] - Eliquis is expected to grow 10%-15% in 2026, driven by global demand growth and a recent price reduction [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver industry-leading sustainable growth into the 2030s and beyond, focusing on executing its growth strategy and advancing its pipeline [11][23] - The company plans to introduce more than 10 new medicines and over 30 meaningful launch opportunities by 2030, with a data-rich period expected in 2026 [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver long-term value for patients and shareholders, emphasizing the importance of executing growth strategies and optimizing cost structures [23] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong say-to-do ratio and embedding this culture into its operations [11] Other Important Information - The company completed its targeted $10 billion debt paydown ahead of schedule and generated strong cash flow from operations of approximately $2 billion in Q4 [20] - The effective tax rate in Q4 was 22.1%, reflecting a one-time non-tax deductible in-process R&D charge related to the Orbital acquisition [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on pivotal catalysts for 2026 - Management highlighted the potential for over 10 phase III data readouts in 2026, with a focus on products like CELMoDs and Milvexian [25][28] Question: Eliquis dynamics for 2026 - Eliquis is expected to maintain strong performance with a 75% market share in the U.S., supported by recent pricing strategy adjustments [38][39] Question: Update on Milvexian and AFib study - The study is progressing well, with a focus on demonstrating non-inferiority to Eliquis while also aiming for a better bleeding profile [46][66] Question: Cost savings in 2026 - The company achieved over $1 billion in cost savings in 2025 and expects to continue reducing expenses while reinvesting in growth drivers [51][52] Question: Admilparant's hypotension risk - Management indicated that the hypotension risk observed in phase II was well managed in phase III studies, with ongoing monitoring [89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, total revenue was approximately $12.5 billion, flat year-over-year, while the growth portfolio revenue increased by 15% to $7.4 billion, representing nearly 60% of total revenue [14][15] - For the full year, the growth portfolio grew 17%, offsetting a decline of roughly $4 billion in revenue from the legacy portfolio [6][7] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q4 were $1.26, and for the full year, it was $6.15, both including a net charge related to in-process R&D and licensing income [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Opdivo revenue grew 7% to nearly $2.7 billion in Q4, driven by new indications and share growth in first-line non-small cell lung cancer [15] - Reblozyl achieved 21% growth, reflecting solid uptake across MDS-associated anemia patients [16] - Breyanzi's revenue increased by 47% in Q4, driven by strong demand across its approved indications [16] - Eliquis revenue was nearly $3.5 billion in Q4, up 6%, supported by demand growth and market share gains [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market for Eliquis saw a 4% revenue increase, contributing to its overall growth [16] - Camzyos revenue grew 57% to $353 million in Q4, benefiting from global demand growth [17] - Sotyktu's global revenue grew 3%, with upcoming PDUFA dates for psoriatic arthritis and phase III readouts for lupus and Sjögren's disease [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver industry-leading sustainable growth into the 2030s, focusing on executing its growth strategy and advancing its pipeline [11][23] - A multi-year plan is in place to rewire the company for long-term growth, with expectations to introduce over 10 new medicines and 30 meaningful launch opportunities by 2030 [9][10] - The company is expanding the use of AI to enhance operational efficiency and reinvest strategically in growth [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth portfolio's ability to drive revenue despite anticipated declines in the legacy portfolio due to ongoing LOE impacts [12] - The company expects 2026 revenue in the range of $46-$47.5 billion, with a projected decline of 12%-16% in the legacy portfolio [12][21] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong say-to-do ratio and delivering on commitments as part of the company culture [11] Other Important Information - The company completed a targeted $10 billion debt paydown ahead of schedule and generated strong cash flow from operations of approximately $2 billion in Q4 [20] - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 22.1%, reflecting a one-time non-tax deductible in-process R&D charge related to the Orbital acquisition [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on pivotal catalysts for 2026 - Management highlighted the potential for over 10 phase III data readouts this year, with a focus on products like Milvexian and Admilparant [25][28] Question: Eliquis dynamics for 2026 - Eliquis is expected to grow 10%-15% in 2026, driven by market share gains and pricing strategy adjustments [39] Question: Business development priorities - The company is focused on deepening its presence in existing therapeutic areas while remaining opportunistic for new opportunities [37] Question: Milvexian AFib study updates - The study is progressing well, with a focus on demonstrating non-inferiority to Eliquis and potential benefits in bleeding risks [46] Question: Admilparant's hypotension risk - Management indicated that the hypotension risk is being well managed in the phase three studies, with a focus on higher dosing [89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, total revenue was approximately $12.5 billion, flat year-over-year, while the growth portfolio revenue increased by 15% to $7.4 billion, representing nearly 60% of total revenue [12][13] - For the full year, the growth portfolio grew 17%, offsetting a decline of roughly $4 billion in revenue from the legacy portfolio [4][5] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q4 were $1.26, and for the full year, it was $6.15, both including a net charge related to in-process R&D and licensing income [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Opdivo revenue grew 7% to nearly $2.7 billion in Q4, driven by new indications and share growth in first-line non-small cell lung cancer [14] - Reblozyl delivered 21% growth, reflecting solid uptake across first- and second-line MDS-associated anemia patients [15] - Breyanzi's revenue increased by 47% in Q4, driven by strong demand across its approved indications [15] - Eliquis revenue was nearly $3.5 billion in Q4, up 6%, supported by demand growth and market share gains [16] - Camzyos revenue grew 57% to $353 million in Q4, benefiting from global demand growth [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates a revenue decline for the legacy portfolio of 12%-16% in 2026 due to ongoing loss of exclusivity impacts [11] - Eliquis is projected to grow 10%-15% in 2026, driven by global demand growth and a recent price reduction [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver industry-leading sustainable growth into the 2030s and beyond, focusing on executing its growth strategy and advancing its pipeline [10][22] - The company plans to report top-line registrational data for six potential new products in 2026, with more than 30 meaningful launch opportunities expected by 2030 [8][9] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong cost-savings initiative, targeting an additional $1 billion in savings over 2026 and 2027 [17][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver long-term value for patients and shareholders, highlighting a strong performance in 2025 [22] - The company is optimistic about the upcoming data readouts and the potential for new medicines to enhance its growth profile [8][9] Other Important Information - The company has a strong financial position with approximately $11 billion in cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2025 [18] - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 22.1%, reflecting a one-time non-tax deductible in-process R&D charge related to the Orbital acquisition [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on pivotal catalysts and growth areas - Management highlighted the excitement around upcoming data readouts for six products and the potential for over 10 phase III data readouts in 2026, emphasizing the growth of the CELMoD program and the potential of Milvexian in AFib [26][27] Question: Eliquis dynamics and business development priorities - Eliquis is expected to continue strong performance in 2026, with a 75% market share in the U.S. Management is focused on deepening presence in existing therapeutic areas while remaining opportunistic in business development [35][36] Question: Updates on Milvexian and metabolic opportunities - The Milvexian study is progressing well, with a focus on demonstrating non-inferiority to Eliquis. Management is also monitoring the metabolic space but prioritizing existing therapeutic areas for business development [41][42] Question: Admilparant's hypotension risk and generic competition - Management addressed the manageable hypotension risk associated with Admilparant and discussed expectations for generic competition for Eliquis and Orencia, with significant impacts anticipated in 2026 and 2027 [82][83]

Core Insights - The biotechnology industry is experiencing a shift as former startups like BridgeBio Pharma gain attention, particularly with their recent product approvals [1] - Patent expirations are expected to impact major pharmaceutical companies, necessitating solid strategies to mitigate potential revenue losses [2] - The biotech sector is showing signs of recovery after a prolonged downturn, with increased acquisition activity noted in the latter half of 2025 [4] Group 1: Industry Trends - The rise of Chinese biotech firms is prompting U.S. investors to reassess their strategies, with significant deals involving Chinese developers being reported [6][8] - Takeda Pharmaceutical's acquisition of Innovent Biologics highlights the growing influence of Chinese biotechs, with the deal valued at $1.2 billion upfront and potential milestone payments exceeding $10 billion [7] - Concerns are being raised about the U.S. potentially losing its leadership in life sciences, with calls for regulatory and health policy reforms to maintain competitiveness [9][10] Group 2: Company-Specific Developments - Bristol Myers Squibb is facing challenges as patents for key products expire, leading to intensified efforts in cost-cutting and diversification of its product portfolio [11][12] - The company reported that four emerging products surpassed $1 billion in sales last year, indicating a focus on growth despite upcoming revenue gaps [13] - Pfizer is aggressively pursuing its obesity drug ambitions following the acquisition of Metsera, with plans for 10 Phase 3 trials by the end of 2026 and expectations of $150 billion in annual sales by 2030 [16][17] Group 3: Company Challenges - Sarepta Therapeutics has faced setbacks with its Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy, leading to a significant drop in share price and revenue forecasts [20][21] - Despite challenges, Sarepta reported a 9% growth in Elevidys sales, indicating some resilience in its product offerings [21] - The company is exploring new revenue opportunities through RNA drugs in collaboration with Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, although it has refrained from providing specific financial guidance [22][23]

Summary of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) - **Event**: 44th Annual JPMorgan Healthcare Conference - **Date**: January 12, 2026 Core Industry Insights - **Focus**: The company aims to build a financially strong organization capable of delivering sustainable growth into the 2030s and beyond [2][16] - **Growth Portfolio**: Increased by 17% in the first nine months of 2025, with four products each generating over $1 billion in annual sales [3][2] - **Key Products**: - Opdualag (melanoma) - Breyanzi (CAR-T therapy for lymphoma) - Camzyos (treatment for obstructive HCM) - Reblozyl (annualizing over $2 billion in sales) [3][2] Financial Performance - **Debt Management**: Achieved a $10 billion debt paydown ahead of schedule, resulting in a stronger balance sheet [5][4] - **Cost Optimization**: On track to deliver $2 billion in cost savings, enhancing financial discipline [4][18] - **Shareholder Returns**: Returned over $22 billion to shareholders in the last three years and increased dividends for 17 consecutive years [15][16] Pipeline and R&D Developments - **Pipeline Progress**: Significant advancements in the pipeline with multiple late-stage assets expected to deliver value [5][11] - **Key Late-Stage Assets**: - **Cobenfy**: Approved for schizophrenia; pivotal studies in Alzheimer's disease psychosis expected to read out this year [6][11] - **Milvexian**: A Factor XIa inhibitor with potential in atrial fibrillation and secondary stroke prevention; phase III results anticipated [6][11] - **Admilparant**: Targeting pulmonary fibrosis with phase III results expected [7][11] - **Iberdomide and Mezigdomide**: Oral CELMoDs in multiple myeloma, with promising data leading into phase III trials [9][11] Strategic Focus Areas - **Business Development**: Completed $30 billion in deals over the past 24 months, with a focus on enhancing the growth profile [16][26] - **Execution and R&D**: Emphasis on improving execution across the organization, leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance R&D efficiency [13][30] - **Therapeutic Areas**: Continued focus on building depth in core therapeutic areas while exploring opportunities in adjacent markets [27][28] Market Position and Competitive Landscape - **Confidence in Product Portfolio**: Strong confidence in the existing product portfolio, with Eliquis continuing to perform well despite patent expirations [21][22] - **Diversified Pipeline**: The company has a diversified set of assets, reducing reliance on any single product for growth [23][24] - **Regulatory Engagement**: Positive engagement with the administration regarding Medicaid and pricing strategies, aiming to simplify the healthcare ecosystem [49][50] Conclusion - **Outlook for 2026**: The company is positioned for a busy year with multiple data readouts and product launches expected, focusing on commercial execution and maintaining financial discipline [47][48] - **Long-Term Vision**: Aiming for sustained growth through a diversified portfolio and strategic investments in R&D and business development [12][16]