Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is included among the 14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026. Barclays Raises Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Target on Strength in Key Drugs On December 30, Barclays raised its price target on Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) to $217 from $197 and kept an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The firm reviewed sales and prescription data through the final week of December and sees room for upside to Q4 consensus estimates. The strength is coming mainly from Darzalex, Tremfy ...

Key Takeaways Amgen acquired Dark Blue Therapeutics for about $840M, strengthening its oncology pipeline.AMGN gains a preclinical small-molecule degrader targeting MLLT1/3 proteins tied to certain AML types.Amgen has no marketed AML therapy, but sells Blincyto for ALL and has early AML bispecifics.Amgen (AMGN) announced that it has acquired U.K.-based private biotech company, Dark Blue Therapeutics, for approximately $840 million.The acquisition will strengthen Amgen’s oncology pipeline by adding Dark Blue’ ...

Key Takeaways J&J's diversified pharma and MedTech model supports steadier growth across cycles.JNJ's 2025 gains were driven by Innovative Medicine growth and improving MedTech performance.AZN's oncology-led growth is offset by patent expirations, Part D pressure and China-related headwinds.Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and AstraZeneca (AZN) rank among the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, each with a broad and diversified healthcare portfolio. Both companies have a strong presence in oncology. Other than ...

Core Insights - Pfizer anticipates a significant revenue decline due to the loss of exclusivity for key products between 2026 and 2030, including Eliquis, Vyndaqel, Ibrance, Xeljanz, and Xtandi, all facing patent expirations [1][9] - The company has bolstered its R&D pipeline through mergers and acquisitions, successful data readouts, and pivotal program initiations, positioning itself for sustainable growth post-LOE [1][7] Oncology Pipeline - Pfizer has advanced its oncology pipeline with several candidates in late-stage development, including vepdegestrant for ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, atirmociclib for HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, and sigvotatug vedotin for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer [2] - By 2030, Pfizer expects to have eight or more blockbuster oncology medicines in its portfolio [4] Non-Oncology Developments - In non-oncology areas, Pfizer is developing an mRNA flu/COVID combination vaccine and osivelotor for sickle cell disease, both in late-stage development [4] - The company is also expanding the labels of approved products like Padcev, which was recently approved by the FDA in combination with Merck's Keytruda for specific bladder cancer patients [5] Obesity Market Expansion - Pfizer is strengthening its presence in the obesity market, currently dominated by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, through the $10 billion acquisition of Metsera and the in-licensing of YP05002, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist [6] - The Metsera acquisition added four novel clinical-stage programs for obesity, expected to generate billions in peak sales [6] Competitive Landscape - Pfizer faces revenue headwinds from patent expirations but is positioned for long-term growth through its expanding late-stage pipeline in oncology and investments in obesity, vaccines, and rare diseases [7] - The oncology market is competitive, with major players like AstraZeneca, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers also focusing on oncology sales [10][11][12][13] Financial Performance - Pfizer's stock has declined 7% over the past year, while the industry has seen a 16% increase [14] - The company's shares are trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 8.18, below the industry average of 17.40 and its own 5-year mean of 10.39, indicating attractive valuation [16] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has increased slightly to $3.10 per share, while the estimate for 2026 has decreased to $3.04 per share [18]

Core Insights - The Meridian Hedged Equity Fund reported a return of 1.67% in Q3 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 Index which returned 8.13% and the CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index which returned 3.53% [1] Company Overview - Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is a major player in the healthcare sector, focusing on innovative pharmaceuticals and medical devices [3] - The company has a market capitalization of $495.785 billion, with its stock closing at $205.78 per share on December 23, 2025 [2] Performance Metrics - Johnson & Johnson's stock experienced a one-month return of -0.43% but gained 41.09% over the last 52 weeks [2] Strategic Developments - Johnson & Johnson is facing a critical transition as sales from its blockbuster drug Stelara decline due to patent expiration, but it is countering this with a strong pipeline of new drugs, particularly in oncology and immunology [3] - The company secured FDA approval for Inlexzo, a new bladder cancer treatment, and its lung cancer drug Rybrevant is moving closer to broader adoption following positive trial data [3] - Strong sales momentum from other key drugs has compensated for the decline in Stelara, and favorable legal developments have eased concerns regarding ongoing talc litigation [3] Investment Sentiment - Johnson & Johnson was held by 103 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, an increase from 95 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite its potential, some analysts believe that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and less downside risk compared to Johnson & Johnson [4]

Industry Overview - The drug and biotech sector has shown recovery after a weak first half, with large drugmakers signing pricing agreements with the Trump administration [1] - Dealmaking activity surged in the second half, boosting investor confidence, with the Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry outperforming the S&P 500 in the past three months [1][4] - Innovation is at its peak, particularly in areas like obesity, cell and gene therapy, and next-gen oncology treatments, attracting investor attention [2] - Despite headwinds such as pipeline setbacks and regulatory risks, the outlook for growth in 2026 remains favorable due to rapid innovation and increased use of AI in drug development [2] Eli Lilly - Eli Lilly has achieved significant success with its tirzepatide medicines, including diabetes drug Mounjaro and weight loss medicine Zepbound, which are key revenue drivers [6][7] - Strong sales growth in 2025 is attributed to international market launches and improved production, with continued demand expected in 2026 [7] - Lilly is investing in obesity treatments with new molecules in clinical development, including orforglipron and retatrutide, with regulatory applications filed for orforglipron [8][9] - Despite challenges like declining product prices and competition in the GLP-1 market, Lilly's stock has risen 39.3% year to date, with 2026 earnings estimates improving from $30.78 to $33.61 per share [10] Johnson & Johnson - J&J has shown strong operational performance in 2025, with double-digit revenue growth from key brands despite the loss of exclusivity for Stelara [11] - The Innovative Medicine segment is expected to accelerate growth in 2026, driven by key products and new launches [12] - J&J's MedTech business has improved, with growth driven by acquired cardiovascular businesses and new product launches expected to contribute to 2026 growth [13][14] - The company has advanced its pipeline significantly and is on an acquisition spree, with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a stock rise of 43.3% year to date [17] AbbVie - AbbVie faces declining sales from Humira due to loss of exclusivity but has successfully launched new immunology medicines Skyrizi and Rinvoq, generating combined sales of $18.5 billion in the first nine months of 2025 [18][19] - Strong market growth and new indications for these drugs are expected to drive future growth, alongside contributions from newer drugs [20] - AbbVie anticipates a high single-digit CAGR through 2029, supported by robust performance from Skyrizi and Rinvoq, with a Zacks Rank of 3 and a stock rise of 28.2% year to date [21][22] Amgen - Amgen's revenue growth is driven by key medicines like Repatha and new biosimilars, compensating for declines from mature drugs [23][24] - The company is focusing on obesity treatments with its candidate MariTide, which differentiates itself with a convenient dosing method [24] - Amgen's stock has risen 27.3% year to date, with 2026 earnings estimates increasing from $21.43 to $21.62 per share [25] AstraZeneca - AstraZeneca has several blockbuster drugs exceeding $1 billion in sales, with newer products contributing to growth despite losses from mature brands [26][27] - The company expects to achieve industry-leading top-line growth through 2030, with plans to launch 20 new medicines and generate $80 billion in total revenues [28] - AstraZeneca faces challenges such as competition and regulatory impacts but maintains a stable earnings estimate of $5.15 per share for 2026, with a stock rise of 10.7% year to date [29][30]

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has received FDA approval for the subcutaneous formulation of its EGFR/MET inhibitor, Rybrevant, now marketed as Rybrevant Faspro, which is approved for all indications of the intravenous version [1][8] Group 1: Product Approval and Advantages - Both Rybrevant and Rybrevant Faspro are approved in the U.S. for four indications related to EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including two first-line and two second-line settings [2] - The subcutaneous formulation offers significant advantages in patient convenience, reducing administration time to about five minutes compared to several hours for the intravenous version [3][8] - The approval of Rybrevant Faspro is supported by data from the late-stage PALOMA-3 study, demonstrating its effectiveness compared to the IV formulation [5][8] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - With this approval, JNJ is better positioned to compete with AstraZeneca's Tagrisso, the current standard of care for EGFR-mutated NSCLC, although Tagrisso's oral administration remains a competitive advantage [4] Group 3: Oncology Sales and Growth Strategy - JNJ's oncology segment comprises approximately 27% of total revenues, with oncology sales rising nearly 21% year-over-year to $18.52 billion in the first nine months [10] - The company aims to achieve $50 billion in oncology sales by the end of the decade, having doubled its oncology sales from $10.7 billion in 2019 to $20.8 billion in 2024 [12] - JNJ is actively building its oncology pipeline through acquisitions, including a recent agreement to acquire Halda Therapeutics for $3.05 billion to enhance its prostate cancer portfolio [14]

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has received FDA approval for the subcutaneous formulation of its EGFR/MET inhibitor, Rybrevant, now branded as Rybrevant Faspro, which is approved for all indications of the intravenous version [1][8] - The subcutaneous version offers improved patient convenience, reducing administration time from up to an hour for IV to as little as five minutes for SC [3][8] - JNJ aims to compete more effectively against AstraZeneca's Tagrisso, the current standard of care for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [4] Drug Approval and Efficacy - Both Rybrevant formulations are approved for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) across four indications [2] - The FDA's approval was supported by data from the late-stage PALOMA-3 study, demonstrating that Rybrevant Faspro is at least as effective as the IV formulation [5][8] - The SC version utilizes Halozyme Therapeutics' proprietary drug delivery technology [6] Market Performance and Sales Goals - JNJ's stock has increased over 45% this year, outperforming the industry growth of 16% [7] - The oncology segment accounts for approximately 27% of JNJ's total revenues, with oncology sales rising nearly 21% year-over-year to $18.52 billion in the first nine months [10] - JNJ has set an ambitious target to achieve $50 billion in oncology sales by the end of the decade, needing to more than double sales from 2024 levels [12][13] Strategic Growth Initiatives - The company is expanding its oncology pipeline through acquisitions, including a recent agreement to acquire Halda Therapeutics for $3.05 billion, focusing on prostate cancer [14]

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) received FDA approval for its precision therapy Akeega for a second indication in prostate cancer, specifically for BRCA2-mutated metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) [2][8] - The approval is based on the phase III AMPLITUDE study, which demonstrated a 54% reduction in the risk of radiographic progression or death with the Akeega-prednisone combination [3][8] - JNJ aims to achieve $50 billion in oncology sales by the end of the decade, with oncology currently accounting for approximately 27% of its total revenues [9][11] Drug Approval and Efficacy - Akeega combines the PARP inhibitor niraparib and the CYP17 inhibitor abiraterone acetate, marking the first FDA-approved precision medicine combination for BRCA2m mCSPC [3][5] - The drug's use has been expanded to an earlier stage of the disease, following its previous approval for BRCA-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in 2023 [4][8] Financial Performance and Growth Strategy - JNJ's oncology sales rose nearly 21% year over year in the first nine months to $18.52 billion, driven by strong market growth and key products [9] - The company has seen its stock rise 46% this year, outperforming the industry average growth of 16% [6] - JNJ is actively building its oncology pipeline through acquisitions, including a recent agreement to acquire Halda Therapeutics for $3.05 billion [13] Market Position and Future Outlook - The oncology segment's growth is supported by new drug launches, contributing significantly to revenue increases [10][12] - JNJ's ambitious target of $50 billion in oncology sales requires more than doubling its sales from 2024 levels, reflecting confidence in its marketed cancer drugs and pipeline [11][12]

Summary of Zymeworks FY Conference Call (December 02, 2025) Company Overview - **Company**: Zymeworks (NasdaqGS: ZYME) - **Industry**: Biotechnology Key Points and Arguments 1. **Strategic Evolution**: Zymeworks has evolved its strategy since 2022, focusing on extracting value from its IP assets without needing to build a traditional commercial entity [2][3][4] 2. **HERIZON-GEA-01 Data Impact**: The top-line data from HERIZON-GEA-01 was a significant factor in the company's strategic planning, indicating a future of excess capital and the need for thoughtful capital allocation [4][5] 3. **Integration of R&D and Royalty Portfolio**: Zymeworks aims to maintain both R&D and royalty streams within the same entity, believing that synergies exist between the two, which can drive shareholder value [5][6][10][17] 4. **Partnerships and Licensing**: The company has successfully partnered with Jazz, retaining royalties and milestones, which has proven beneficial as the market conditions improved [8][9][21] 5. **Focus on Internal Development**: Zymeworks has built a wholly owned portfolio of R&D assets, allowing for optionality in future partnerships and capital allocation [9][25] 6. **Competitive Advantage**: Zymeworks differentiates itself from traditional royalty players by having both R&D capabilities and a royalty portfolio, allowing for unique strategic maneuvers [15][17] 7. **Future Asset Development**: The company is exploring external assets for potential integration into its portfolio, leveraging its experience in capital allocation and strategy [12][13][25] 8. **Market Positioning**: Zymeworks believes it can achieve outsized returns by effectively managing its dual role as an R&D entity and a royalty organization [18][19] 9. **Potential of Rybrevant**: Rybrevant is projected to have peak sales potential between $1 billion and $5 billion, reflecting the company's confidence in its assets [22][23] 10. **ADC Development**: Zymeworks is advancing its ADC (Antibody-Drug Conjugate) assets, including ZW191, which shows promise in early data and may lead to strategic partnerships [26][28][30] Additional Important Content - **Market Perception**: The company has shifted market perception regarding its assets, particularly in gastric cancer, which was undervalued previously [21] - **Tolerability and Efficacy**: Zymeworks is focused on ensuring tolerability and efficacy in its ADCs, particularly for fragile patient populations like those with HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) [34][36] - **Combination Strategies**: The company recognizes the importance of combination therapies and is open to partnerships that can enhance its competitive positioning in the market [30][31] This summary encapsulates the strategic direction, market positioning, and future plans of Zymeworks as discussed in the conference call, highlighting the company's focus on innovation and value creation in the biotechnology sector.