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4 Reasons to Buy Amgen Stock Right Now
The Motley Fool· 2025-10-04 10:45
Core Viewpoint - Amgen's stock presents an attractive long-term investment opportunity despite recent share price declines and upcoming patent cliffs [1][2]. Group 1: Promising Drug Developments - Amgen is developing MariTide, a weight management drug that has shown a mean weight loss of up to 20% over 52 weeks, with a favorable monthly dosing schedule [4][5]. - The anti-obesity market is rapidly growing, and MariTide could generate sales of up to $3.7 billion by 2030, helping Amgen offset losses from patent expirations [6]. - Amgen has a robust pipeline with several ongoing programs, including bemarituzumab, which has shown promising results in a phase 3 study for metastatic gastric cancer [7][8]. Group 2: Recent Product Launches - Amgen's recent product approvals, such as Imdelltra for lung cancer, Tezspire for asthma, and Uplizna for rare diseases, are expected to contribute to top-line growth [9][10]. Group 3: Financial Strength and Dividends - Amgen has a strong dividend track record, having increased its dividend by 201.3% over the past decade, with a current yield of 3.5% [11][12]. - The company's cash payout ratio of 46.5% provides room for further dividend increases, making it an attractive option for investors seeking income [12][13]. Group 4: Valuation - Amgen's shares are considered reasonably valued, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 12.6, lower than the healthcare industry average of 16.4 [14][15]. - The market may be pricing in upcoming patent losses, but long-term investors could benefit from potential revenue and earnings growth as new products are launched [15].
Amgen (AMGN) Moves 3.5% Higher: Will This Strength Last?
ZACKS· 2025-09-22 15:26
Company Overview - Amgen's shares increased by 3.5% to close at $285.41, supported by higher trading volume compared to normal sessions, following a 6.7% decline over the past four weeks [1] - The advisory committee to the European Medicine Agency recommended expanding the use of Uplizna for treating adult patients with active immunoglobulin G4-related disease, a rare autoimmune condition lacking approved therapies in the EU [2] Financial Performance - Amgen is expected to report quarterly earnings of $5.01 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 10.2%, while revenues are projected to be $8.93 billion, an increase of 5% from the previous year [3] - The consensus EPS estimate for Amgen has been revised 1.6% lower in the last 30 days, indicating a negative trend in earnings estimate revisions, which typically does not lead to price appreciation [4] Industry Context - Amgen operates within the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, where Dynavax Technologies, another company in the same sector, experienced a 0.6% decline in its stock price [4] - Dynavax Technologies has an unchanged consensus EPS estimate of $0.14 for its upcoming report, representing a 16.7% increase from the previous year [5]
SNY's Rilzabrutinib Gets EU Orphan Drug Tag for IgG4-Related Disease
ZACKS· 2025-08-15 14:51
Group 1 - Sanofi's investigational BTK inhibitor, rilzabrutinib, received orphan drug designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for treating IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) [1][7] - IgG4-RD is a chronic, immune-mediated rare condition that can affect multiple organs, leading to inflammation, swelling, and fibrosis [1] - Rilzabrutinib is currently undergoing a phase II study for IgG4-RD, showing a reduction in disease flare and glucocorticoid sparing over 52 weeks [2][7] Group 2 - Rilzabrutinib is also being developed for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and has orphan drug designation for this indication in the United States, EU, and Japan [3] - A regulatory application for rilzabrutinib's approval for ITP is under review in the U.S., with a decision expected by August 29, 2025 [4] - The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to rilzabrutinib for warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) and sickle cell disease (SCD) [5] Group 3 - Upon potential approval, rilzabrutinib may face competition from existing therapies, such as Rigel Pharmaceuticals' Tavalisse, which recorded $68.5 million in sales in the first half of 2025, a 44% increase year-over-year [6] - Amgen's Uplizna became the first FDA-approved drug for IgG4-RD in April 2025, following its acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics [8]
Amgen Stock Sinks As Market Eyes MariTide's Next Move
Benzinga· 2025-08-06 18:19
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].
AMGN Down 10% in 3 Months: How to Play the Stock as Tariff Woes Linger
ZACKS· 2025-05-21 13:50
Core Viewpoint - Amgen's stock has faced a decline of 10.4% over the past three months, largely attributed to macroeconomic uncertainties and trade tensions [1][2]. Group 1: Market Environment - The stock market has experienced volatility due to President Trump's tariffs and China's retaliatory measures, although a recent deal has eased tensions temporarily [2]. - The uncertainty surrounding tariffs continues to impact economic growth, despite pharmaceuticals being exempt from initial tariffs [3]. Group 2: Company Performance - Amgen's revenues grew by 9% year over year in Q1 2025, driven by increased patient demand for innovative medicines [4]. - The company is facing declining revenues from oncology biosimilars and established products like Enbrel, with competitive pressures affecting sales [5]. - Key revenue drivers include older medicines like Prolia and Repatha, as well as new drugs such as Tavneos and Tezspire, alongside rare disease drugs from the acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics [5]. Group 3: Drug Pipeline and Approvals - Amgen is evaluating several drugs for additional indications, which could enhance revenue growth, with Uplizna recently approved for IgG4-related disease [6][7]. - The company has invested significantly in M&A to diversify its pipeline, including the development of MariTide, a novel obesity treatment [8][10]. - Clinical studies for MariTide have shown promising results, and further studies are ongoing [9][10]. Group 4: Biosimilars and Market Strategy - Amgen launched several new biosimilars in 2025, generating substantial sales, including Wezlana and Pavblu, which contributed to a 35% year-over-year increase in biosimilar sales [13][15]. - The company is actively pursuing additional biosimilar approvals to mitigate the impact of upcoming patent expirations for key drugs [15][16]. Group 5: Financial Outlook - Amgen's stock has outperformed the industry and S&P 500, with a year-to-date increase of 7.3% [18]. - The stock is reasonably valued, trading at a price/earnings ratio of 13.12, lower than the industry average [21]. - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have seen upward revisions, indicating positive market sentiment [24][26]. Group 6: Long-term Growth Potential - The company is expected to maintain long-term revenue growth driven by strong performance from key drugs and innovative medicines [27]. - Despite initial data from MariTide studies being below expectations, it holds potential as a significant product for Amgen [27].
AMGN's Key Drugs Repatha, Evenity & Blincyto Drive Q1 Sales Growth
ZACKS· 2025-05-05 13:05
Core Viewpoint - Amgen (AMGN) reported strong first-quarter earnings and sales for 2025, with total revenues increasing by 9% year over year and product revenues rising by 11% to $7.87 billion, driven by volume growth despite price declines [1][2][3] Revenue Performance - Total revenues rose 9% year over year, with product revenues increasing 11% to $7.87 billion, reflecting strong volume growth across all areas [1][2] - Sales of key products such as Prolia, Xgeva, Repatha, Blincyto, and Evenity exceeded estimates, with 14 products achieving double-digit volume growth [3][4] Key Drug Performance - Repatha generated $656 million in sales, up 27% year over year, with volume growth of 41% offset by a 9% price decline [4] - Evenity recorded sales of $442 million, a 29% increase year over year, driven by strong demand [5] - Prolia revenues reached $1.1 billion, up 10% from the previous year, as higher volumes mitigated lower pricing impacts [5] Rare Disease Drug Sales - Sales of rare disease drugs rose 3% year over year to $1 billion, with Tepezza and Krystexxa impacted by U.S. wholesaler inventory changes [8][9] - Tepezza sales declined 10% to $381 million, while Krystexxa remained flat at $236 million; Uplizna grew 14% to $91 million, and Tavneos saw a 76% increase to $90 million [9] Oncology Portfolio - Amgen's oncology portfolio grew 10% year over year, generating over $2 billion in sales, with Blincyto as a key driver at $370 million, up 52% [10][11] - Xgeva delivered revenues of $566 million, while Kyprolis saw a 14% decline to $324 million due to competitive pressures [11] Biosimilars Contribution - Biosimilar portfolio sales increased by 35% year over year to $735 million, with new products like Wezlana contributing significantly [12][13] - Wezlana generated $150 million in sales, while Pavblu brought in $99 million [13] Inflammation Drugs - Otezla sales were $437 million, up 11%, while Enbrel revenues declined 10% to $510 million, with both products beating estimates [15] Overall Conclusion - Amgen's key medicines, including Evenity, Repatha, and Blincyto, drove sales growth, offsetting declines from oncology biosimilars and established products like Enbrel [16] - Increased pricing pressures and competition are expected to impact sales of several products, with potential revenue headwinds from brands like Otezla and Lumakras [17]
Can Amgen Keep the Beat Streak Alive This Earnings Season?
ZACKS· 2025-04-29 11:45
Core Viewpoint - Amgen is set to report its first-quarter 2025 results on May 1, with expectations of strong sales driven by volume growth in key products, although pricing pressures may impact overall revenue [1][4]. Sales Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter sales is $7.96 billion, with earnings expected at $4.16 per share [1]. - Specific sales estimates for key products include Evenity at $406 million, Repatha at $616 million, Kyprolis at $381 million, and Blincyto at $333 million [2]. Patent Expiration Impact - Patents for Prolia and Xgeva expired in February 2025 in the U.S., leading to anticipated significant sales erosion due to biosimilar competition, with estimates of $990 million for Prolia and $542 million for Xgeva [3]. New Product Contributions - Newer drugs like Tezspire and Tavneos are expected to contribute positively to top-line growth, alongside the successful launch of Imdelltra for advanced small cell lung cancer [4]. Declining Sales of Established Products - Sales of Enbrel and Otezla are projected to decline due to price reductions and historical trends related to benefit plan changes and increased co-pay expenses [5][6]. Biosimilars Performance - Increased competition is expected to negatively impact revenues from oncology biosimilars, while sales of Amjevita/Amgevita are likely to have increased [7]. - Amgen launched biosimilars Wezlana and Pavblu, with investors keenly observing their sales performance [8]. Operating Margin Expectations - Amgen anticipates the lowest operating margin of the year at around 42% for the first quarter, with R&D costs expected to rise while SG&A costs as a percentage of sales are projected to decline [9]. Earnings Surprise History - Amgen has a strong earnings surprise history, beating estimates in the last four quarters with an average surprise of 5.23% [10]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for Amgen, with an Earnings ESP of -0.05% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [12].
Why a Clutch of Pharmaceutical and Biotech Stocks Escaped the Market's Swoon on Thursday
The Motley Fool· 2025-04-03 20:50
Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration's recent tariffs have significantly impacted the stock market, with pharmaceuticals and biotech being relatively less affected compared to other sectors [1][2]. Industry Impact - The stock market experienced one of its worst trading days, with the S&P 500 dropping by 4.8%, while Catalyst Pharmaceuticals and Veeva Systems saw smaller declines of 1.5% and 2%, respectively. Notably, Amgen and AstraZeneca reported gains of 1.5% and 2.4% [2]. - The pharmaceutical sector was notably absent from the list of tariffs, which had initially included a proposed 25% duty on foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers [3][4]. Future Considerations - The exemption from tariffs is temporary, and there are indications that the administration may soon impose tariffs specifically targeting pharmaceutical exports [4][5]. - The pharmaceutical industry has powerful lobbyists advocating for reduced tariffs, which may have influenced the temporary exemption [5][6]. Regulatory Developments - Despite the looming threat of tariffs, the pharmaceutical industry continues to announce positive developments, such as Amgen's FDA approval for its Uplizna drug to treat IgG4-related disease, marking a significant advancement for patients [9][10]. - The approval of Uplizna is expected to reduce reliance on long-term steroid use for patients, highlighting the industry's ongoing commitment to regulatory approvals and medication development [10].