By Christy Santhosh (Reuters) -Drugmaker Bristol Myers Squibb said on Friday it will acquire privately held cell therapy developer Orbital Therapeutics for $1.5 billion in cash, aiming to diversify from legacy products facing competition from generic drugs. The deal expands Bristol Myers Squibb's CAR T-cell immunotherapy portfolio with Orbital's lead experimental candidate, OTX-201, which is designed to target autoimmune diseases. This marks the company's first major acquisition of the year, as it shift ...

Core Insights - The PGIM Jennison Health Sciences Fund's second-quarter 2025 investor letter highlights significant volatility in equities, with the S&P 1500 Health Care Index declining 6.9%, underperforming the S&P 500's 10.9% return [1] - Health care providers, life sciences tools, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals underperformed the index, while healthcare technology and medtech sectors showed gains [1] - Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) is identified as a key stock, with a market capitalization of $89.885 billion and a one-month return of -5.80% [2][3] Company Analysis: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company - Bristol-Myers Squibb focuses on developing drugs across various therapeutic areas, including Cardiovascular Disease, Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology [3] - The company has three major franchises facing patent expirations: Revlimid (generic entry in 2026), Eliquis (generic entry in 2028/29), and Opdivo (biosimilar competition starting in 2029) [3] - The fund initiated a position in BMY due to perceived undervaluation and expectations for its neuropsychiatric asset, Cobenfy, but later reduced its position following negative updates on trial results and a disappointing quarter [3]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly interested in Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) due to its high dividend yield of 5.5% and a consistent history of dividend growth over 25 years [1][2]. Group 1: Dividend Yield and Comparison - Bristol Myers Squibb offers a substantial dividend yield of 5.5%, significantly higher than the average yield of 1.2% for dividend-paying stocks in the S&P 500 [2]. Group 2: Patent Expirations and Revenue Impact - The company recently lost exclusivity for Revlimid, a cancer therapy that peaked at $12.8 billion in sales in 2021, and will soon lose exclusivity for Eliquis, which accounts for approximately 31% of total revenue [4]. Group 3: Growth Potential from New Treatments - Despite challenges from patent expirations, Bristol Myers Squibb has a promising growth portfolio with at least seven drugs that experienced double-digit sales growth in the second quarter, including Breyanzi, which saw sales more than double [5]. - Anticipated sales for Cobenfy, a new schizophrenia treatment approved by the FDA, are projected to reach $2.6 billion by 2030 [6]. Group 4: Earnings and Dividend Commitment - The company expects earnings per share to be between $6.35 and $6.65 this year, which exceeds the annualized dividend commitment of $2.48 per share, indicating strong financial health [7]. - With a robust lineup of new products, the high-yield dividend is expected to continue growing for at least another decade [7].

Core Insights - Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) is implementing a restructuring program to enhance bottom-line growth amid declining revenues from legacy drugs due to generic competition [1][10] - The restructuring aims to streamline operations in key areas such as R&D, manufacturing, and commercial functions, with a focus on aligning the operating model with strategic priorities [2][4] Financial Implications - The total expected charges for the restructuring program are approximately $2.5 billion through 2027, with $1.4 billion already incurred, primarily for employee termination and site exit costs [3][10] - BMY anticipates annual cost savings of around $2.0 billion by the end of 2027 as a result of the restructuring [3][10] Operational Changes - The restructuring will transform R&D operations to accelerate pipeline delivery and enhance the commercial operating model, while also establishing a more responsive manufacturing network [2] - Despite the restructuring, BMY expects operating expenses in 2025 to rise to $16.5 billion, up from a previous estimate of $16.2 billion, reflecting investments in business development and growth opportunities [4] Market Performance - BMY's shares have declined by 16.5% year-to-date, contrasting with the industry growth of 4.9% [9] - The company's shares are currently trading at a price/earnings ratio of 7.36X forward earnings, which is below the industry average of 14.83X [12] Earnings Estimates - The bottom-line estimate for 2025 has increased to $6.50 from $6.37 over the past 60 days, while the estimate for 2026 has risen to $6.07 from $6.02 [14]

Core Insights - Bristol Myers (BMY) and BioNTech (BNTX) presented interim data from a mid-stage study on pumitamig combined with chemotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) [1][10] Company Developments - Pumitamig is a bispecific antibody that combines PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition and VEGF-A neutralization, aimed at enhancing T cell response against tumors [2][3] - The interim analysis involved 43 untreated ES-SCLC patients, showing a 76.3% confirmed objective response rate, a 100% disease control rate, and a median progression-free survival of 6.8 months [3][10] - The combination therapy exhibited a manageable safety profile with no new safety signals and a low discontinuation rate, supporting ongoing pivotal studies [4][10] - Pumitamig received FDA Orphan Drug designation for small cell lung cancer treatment in 2025 [4][10] Industry Context - The dual-target cancer therapy space is competitive, with major players like Merck and Pfizer developing bispecific antibodies targeting PD-1 and VEGF [6] - Merck secured a global license for LM-299, a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, while Pfizer licensed SSGJ-707, another bispecific antibody targeting the same proteins [7][8] Financial Performance - BMY shares have declined by 13% year-to-date, contrasting with the industry growth of 5.5% [12] - BMY is trading at a price/earnings ratio of 7.66X forward earnings, below its historical mean of 8.47X and the large-cap pharma industry's average of 14.94X [13] - The bottom-line estimate for 2025 has decreased to $6.50 from $6.56, while the estimate for 2026 has increased to $6.07 from $6.03 [14]

Core Viewpoint - Bristol Myers (BMY) has faced significant challenges, with shares declining 19.2% over the past six months, underperforming both the industry and the S&P 500 Index [1][8]. Legacy Portfolio Performance - The Legacy Portfolio is experiencing adverse effects from generic competition, particularly for drugs like Revlimid, Pomalyst, Sprycel, and Abraxane, leading to a 17% revenue decline in the first half of 2025 [4]. - Eliquis remains a key revenue driver, with a 1.5% sales increase in the first half, but the overall legacy portfolio is expected to decline by approximately 15% to 17% in 2025, a less severe drop than previously forecasted [5]. Growth Portfolio Performance - BMY's Growth Portfolio includes drugs such as Opdivo, Reblozyl, Breyanzi, and Camzyos, which are showing strong sales momentum [8]. - Opdivo's sales are bolstered by a successful launch in MSI-high colorectal cancer and growth in non-small cell lung cancer, with expectations for mid to high-single-digit growth for the year [9]. - Reblozyl has achieved over $1 billion in global sales year-to-date, while Breyanzi's sales surged over 200% to $607 million in the first half [10]. Financial Position and Debt - As of June 30, 2025, BMY reported cash and equivalents of $12.6 billion against long-term debt of $44.5 billion, raising concerns about its high debt ratio [13]. Collaborations and Future Outlook - BMY has entered a collaboration with BioNTech for the co-development of a bispecific antibody, which has led to a revised earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $6.35-$6.65, down from $6.70-$7 [15]. - The company's shares are trading at a discount compared to the large-cap pharma industry, with a price/earnings ratio of 7.60X forward earnings [16]. Investment Recommendations - Despite the challenges, BMY's strong performance in the first half of 2025 and the potential of its growth portfolio suggest that it remains a viable investment option for current shareholders, especially given its attractive dividend yield of 5.25% [19].

Core Insights - Healthcare stocks have remained stagnant since April, contrasting with a 27% rise in the S&P 500, which raises interest for contrarian investors [2] - Seven healthcare stocks offer yields up to 7.1%, indicating potential investment opportunities due to their underperformance relative to the broader market [2] Group 1: High Yield Healthcare Stocks - Omega Healthcare Investors (OHI) has a yield of 6.4% and operates skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, with a portfolio of 93,961 beds across over 1,000 properties [3] - OHI has shown progress by beating estimates for adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) and raising its full-year AFFO guidance, while also acquiring 57 properties [4] - LTC Properties (LTC) offers a 6.3% yield and is transitioning some contracts to RIDEA-structured contracts, which could enhance growth potential [7][8] - Healthpeak Properties (DOC) has a yield of 7.0% and a diversified portfolio, but may face growth challenges due to headwinds in its life sciences segment [10] - Sila Realty Trust (SILA) has a yield of 6.4% and has shown a nearly 20% total return since its IPO, with a strong financial position [11][12] - Siga Technologies (SIGA) offers a high yield of 7.1% but is concentrated on a single product, TPOXX, which limits diversification [13][21] - Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) has a yield of 5.3% and a market cap of nearly $100 billion, but has underperformed significantly over the past five years [14][15] - Pfizer (PFE) has a yield of 6.9% and is facing challenges with declining COVID drug sales and upcoming patent expirations, leading to a high yield not seen since the Great Recession [18][19] Group 2: Market Context and Challenges - The healthcare sector is facing uncertainties including potential cuts to Medicaid, health research funding, and initiatives aimed at lowering drug costs [6] - The overall healthcare market has underperformed compared to the S&P 500, with BMY experiencing a 25% decline in price over the past five years [15] - Pfizer is targeting over $7 billion in cost savings by the end of 2027, but its long-term prospects depend on the success of its product pipeline [19][20]

Core Insights - Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) reported strong Q2 2025 results, with GAAP revenue of $12.269 billion exceeding analyst estimates of $11.385 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $1.46 surpassing the expected $1.07 per share [1][2] - Despite the revenue beat, year-over-year performance was impacted by declines in legacy drugs, margin compression, and significant R&D expenses, leading to a revision in non-GAAP EPS guidance [1][11] Financial Performance - Q2 2025 non-GAAP EPS was $1.46, down 29.5% from $2.07 in Q2 2024 [2] - GAAP EPS was $0.64, a decrease of 22.9% from $0.83 in Q2 2024 [2] - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $12.3 billion, a slight increase of 0.8% from $12.2 billion in Q2 2024 [2] - Non-GAAP gross margin narrowed to 72.6% from 75.6% year-over-year, while operating margin decreased to 40.4% from 41.1% [2][7] Product Performance - The Growth Portfolio generated $6.6 billion in sales for Q2 2025, an 18% increase, driven by immuno-oncology products and new therapies [5] - Breyanzi revenue surged 125%, Camzyos increased by 86%, and Reblozyl rose by 33% in Q2 2025 [5][6] - The Legacy Portfolio saw a 14% decline, with Revlimid down 38%, Pomalyst/Imnovid down 26%, and Sprycel down 72% year-over-year [6] Strategic Focus - The company is focused on building its "Growth Portfolio" through new product launches and global expansion while managing declines from older drugs [4] - A significant $1.5 billion R&D charge related to a partnership with BioNTech impacted EPS guidance [9][11] - The company raised its fiscal 2025 non-GAAP revenue outlook to $46.5 billion to $47.5 billion but lowered non-GAAP EPS guidance to $6.35–$6.65 due to the BioNTech charge [11] Pipeline and Development - Progress was made in the drug pipeline, with new indications for Sotyktu and label updates for Breyanzi [10] - Opdivo received European approval for a new subcutaneous form, and the company launched initiatives to improve access to Eliquis [10] - The company is actively pursuing strategic partnerships and business development opportunities to enhance its pipeline [10]

Core Insights - Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) reported $12.27 billion in revenue for Q2 2025, a year-over-year increase of 0.6% and a surprise of +7.67% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.4 billion [1] - The EPS for the same period was $1.46, down from $2.07 a year ago, with a surprise of +36.45% compared to the consensus estimate of $1.07 [1] Revenue Performance - Net sales for Cobenfy were $35 million, exceeding the estimated $28.25 million [4] - Opdivo's U.S. net sales reached $1.51 billion, surpassing the $1.38 billion estimate, reflecting a +7.1% year-over-year change [4] - Pomalyst/Imnovid's U.S. net sales were $584 million, below the $627.82 million estimate, showing an -18.4% year-over-year decline [4] - International net sales for Pomalyst/Imnovid were $124 million, exceeding the $95.34 million estimate, but down -49% year-over-year [4] - Revlimid's net sales were $838 million, above the $625.54 million estimate, representing a -38.1% year-over-year decline [4] - Opdivo's total net sales were $2.56 billion, exceeding the $2.4 billion estimate, with a +7.3% year-over-year increase [4] - Abraxane's net sales were $105 million, slightly above the $102.66 million estimate, but down -54.6% year-over-year [4] - Reblozyl's net sales reached $568 million, surpassing the $546.45 million estimate, with a +33.7% year-over-year increase [4] - Zeposia's net sales were $150 million, exceeding the $129.3 million estimate, but down -0.7% year-over-year [4] - Breyanzi's net sales were $344 million, above the $299.75 million estimate, reflecting a +124.8% year-over-year increase [4] - Abecma's net sales were $87 million, below the $99.76 million estimate, showing an -8.4% year-over-year decline [4] - Opdualag's net sales reached $284 million, exceeding the $276.44 million estimate, with a +20.9% year-over-year increase [4] Stock Performance - Bristol Myers' shares have returned -3.5% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Results - Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is set to release its second-quarter 2025 financial results on July 30, expecting earnings of 62 cents and sales of approximately $4.29 billion [1] Generics Business Performance - Teva's generics business has shown a rebound with a 5% increase in revenue across regions, and the company anticipates five new product launches from its top-three global portfolio by 2027 [1] - The first quarter of 2025 is expected to demonstrate the strongest year-over-year growth for the generics business, despite rising competition affecting the generic Revlimid's impact [2][3] Prescription Growth - Prescription volumes for Austedo have increased by approximately 19% year-to-date, while Uzedy prescriptions rose by about 21% in the second quarter of 2025 and 17% in the first quarter [4] Future Outlook - Analysts suggest that 2025 may represent a low point for EBITDA, with cost-saving measures and efficiency improvements anticipated to benefit profits starting in 2026 [5] - Teva's branded drug business is expected to gain more influence, with a long-acting injectable version of olanzapine launching in late 2026 and a $5 billion innovative medicines franchise projected to be operational by 2030 [5] - Teva is not expected to face significant loss of exclusivity issues until well into the 2030s, which supports a case for a higher valuation multiple [6]