Latest news with #Amgen
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Amgen vs. Novo Nordisk: Which Pharma Giant Is the Better Buy?
Amgen AMGN and Novo Nordisk NVO are among the largest companies in the pharmaceutical space. Amgen boasts one of the largest portfolios in the sector, with a strong presence in oncology, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, bone health and rare disease markets. On the other hand, Novo Nordisk enjoys a leading position in the diabetes and obesity market, while steadily expanding its presence into rare diseases. Both these giants have established strong footholds in their respective target markets, delivering consistent returns to shareholders. In such a scenario, choosing one stock over another can be challenging. Let's examine the fundamentals of the two stocks to make a prudent choice. The Case for AMGN Amgen's diverse portfolio and global reach position it well in a changing pharma landscape. Growth products like Repatha, Prolia, Xgeva, Evenity, Vectibix, Nplate, Kyprolis and Blincyto are performing well, having gained approvals for label expansions. The robust sales of these drugs have helped Amgen offset the declining sales of its legacy drugs such as Enbrel. The 2023 acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics has significantly expanded Amgen's rare disease business by adding several rare disease drugs, including Tepezza, Krystexxa and Uplizna, to its portfolio. Amgen is one of the handful of companies that is evaluating an obesity drug in late-stage development. In March, the company started two phase III studies evaluating its investigational GIPR/GLP-1 receptor MariTide for 72 weeks in people with obesity, with or without type II diabetes (T2D). Additional late-stage studies on the drug in specific obesity-related conditions are expected to start throughout 2025. Unlike the currently marketed obesity drugs like Novo's Wegovy and Eli Lilly 's LLY Zepbound that require weekly injections, MariTide is being tested for monthly dosing. The late-stage development of the drug was supported by data from phase II studies, wherein treatment with MariTide resulted in up to approximately 20% average weight loss over 52 weeks, without reaching a weight loss plateau in people who were obese or overweight but without T2D. However, the weight loss reduction was at the lower end of investor expectations of 20-25%. In T2D patients who were obese or overweight, the weight loss reduction was approximately 17% at 52 weeks. Beyond obesity, Amgen has promising late-stage pipeline drugs across several therapeutic areas, which represent significant commercial potential. These include bemarituzumab (for first-line gastric cancer), rocatinlimab (for eczema and prurigo nodularis) and olpasiran (for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease). Amgen has also strengthened its biosimilar portfolio, with the recent launches of biosimilar versions of popular drugs like J&J's Stelara (marketed as 'Wezlana') and Regeneron's Eylea ('Pavblu'). It is also developing biosimilar versions of blockbuster oncology drugs like Bristol Myers' Opdivo and Merck's Keytruda in ongoing phase III studies. However, increased pricing headwinds and competitive pressure are negatively impacting the sales of many products. Sales of best-selling drugs, Prolia and Xgeva, are expected to decline in 2025, mainly from the second half, due to patent erosion. The Case for NVO Novo Nordisk has achieved tremendous success in the GLP-1 space, all thanks to its semaglutide drugs sold under the brand names Ozempic (for T2D) and Wegovy (for obesity). As of March 2025-end, Novo continues to be the global market leader in the GLP-1 segment, with around 54% value market share. Sales of Wegovy continue to rise due to strong prescription growth, driving higher revenues and profits. Additionally, Ozempic sales are also contributing positively to overall revenues. NVO has been investing heavily to expand its manufacturing capacity as part of its strategic move to entrench its diabetes and obesity care market leadership for its GLP-1 products. Novo Nordisk is pursuing new indications for semaglutide, including label expansions for Wegovy in additional cardiovascular conditions and for Ozempic in T2D patients with chronic kidney disease. It is also investigating semaglutide's potential in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH). These efforts could expand the eligible patient population for semaglutide and boost sales. However, the company's arch-rival Eli Lilly remains a formidable adversary in the obesity market, which threatens its market share. Lilly markets its tirzepatide injections under the brand names Mounjaro for T2D and Zepbound for obesity. The NVO stock has also been under pressure due to disappointing data from two late-stage studies for its next-generation subcutaneous obesity candidate, CagriSema, a follow-up drug to Wegovy. In these studies, CagriSema demonstrated a lower-than-expected reduction in body weight. Novo Nordisk is also currently facing a major transition in its executive management, as CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen will step down due to market headwinds and a decline in the company's stock since mid-2024. The search for his successor is currently underway. Though the rare disease segment currently accounts for a minimal portion of revenues, Novo is making good efforts to expand this portfolio. A regulatory filing with the FDA, seeking approval for Mim8 in patients aged 12 years and older with hemophilia A, is planned for submission later this year. How Do Estimates Compare for AMGN & NVO? The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Amgen's 2025 sales implies a year-over-year increase of 5%, and that for EPS also suggests an improvement of 5%. EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have moved north in the past 60 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Novo's 2025 sales and EPS implies a year-over-year increase of around 20% and 21%, respectively. While EPS estimates for 2025 have been trending upward over the past 60 days, the same for 2026 have moved south. Price Performance and Valuation of AMGN & NVO Year to date, shares of Amgen have gained 17%, while those of Novo have plummeted 22%. In comparison, the industry has declined 3%, as seen in the chart below. From a valuation standpoint, Novo Nordisk seems to be slightly more expensive than Amgen, going by the price/book (P/E) ratio. NVO's shares currently trade at 15.51 times forward earnings, higher than 14.5 for AMGN. In terms of dividend yield, Amgen stands higher at 3.1% compared to Novo's 2.5%. AMGN or NVO: Which Is a Better Pick? Both Amgen and Novo carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each, which makes choosing one stock over the other difficult. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. However, when comparing the two, Amgen appears to be the better pick. Despite short-term headwinds like Prolia and Xgeva going off patent later this year, the company's diversified portfolio and deep pipeline offer a balanced growth story. AMGN stock also looks more attractive than NVO from a valuation standpoint. While Novo Nordisk continues to lead in the GLP-1 space with strong revenue growth, it faces several near-term challenges. These include limited diversification, underwhelming CagriSema results and a leadership transition — all of which may weigh on investor sentiment. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the coming year. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +112%, +171%, +209% and +232%. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO): Free Stock Analysis Report Eli Lilly and Company (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report Amgen Inc. (AMGN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Do You Believe in the Growth Potential of Amgen (AMGN)?
Aristotle Capital Management, LLC, an investment management company, released its 'Value Equity Strategy' second quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Although the U.S. equity market started with volatility in the second quarter, it rebounded with strength, with the S&P 500 Index rising 10.94% during the quarter. The composite returned 4.88% gross of fees (4.75% net of fees) in the first quarter, outperforming the 3.78% return of the Russell 1000 Value Index and underperforming the 10.94% return of the S&P 500 Index. In addition, you can check the fund's top 5 holdings to determine its best picks for 2025. In its second quarter 2025 investor letter, Aristotle Capital Value Equity Strategy highlighted stocks such as Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN). Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) is a biotech company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and delivers human therapeutics. The one-month return of Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) was 9.04%, and its shares lost 8.92% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 22, 2025, Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) stock closed at $305.69 per share, with a market capitalization of $164.371 billion. Aristotle Capital Value Equity Strategy stated the following regarding Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: "Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN), the biopharmaceutical company, was one of the largest detractors for the quarter. While the company's branded drugs continued to advance (a previously identified catalyst), with cholesterol medicine Repatha, osteoporosis treatment Evenity and bone-strengthening drug Prolia all growing sales in the double digits, concerns surrounding potential tariff impacts, tax reform and pressure on drug prices weighed on shares. We believe it is too early to assess the full impact of these macro uncertainties and are confident in Amgen's demonstrated ability to adapt through evolving policy and pricing dynamics. The company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to domestic manufacturing and innovation through its upcoming $2 billion expansions in Ohio and North Carolina, building on more than $5 billion in U.S. operational investments since 2017. Furthermore, Amgen continued to advance its robust pipeline, as its 1L bemarituzumab (bema) phase 3 trial for gastric cancer met its primary endpoint, and MariTide, the company's weight-loss drug, demonstrated strong efficacy in phase 1 and 2 trials. MariTide, which could offer more convenient monthly dosing compared to daily or weekly regimens, showed promising early results, though tolerability will be an important focus heading into phase 3. Management noted that modified dose ramp-up strategies may help mitigate these effects. Despite near-term pressures, we remain encouraged by Amgen's continued market share gains across key therapies and the potential to enhance the company's competitiveness and resilience in a dynamic healthcare landscape." A pharmacist filling a prescription for a complex drug developed by the company. Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 69 hedge fund portfolios held Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) at the end of the first quarter, which was 72 in the previous quarter. In the first quarter, Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) delivered revenues of $8.1 billion, representing a 9% increase from Q1 2024. While we acknowledge the potential of Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. In another article, we covered Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) and shared the list of best low volatility stocks to buy according to analysts. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q2 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NodThera Announces Appointment of Dr. Jyothis George as Chief Medical Officer
NodThera Announces Appointment of Dr. Jyothis George as Chief Medical OfficerPhiladelphia, PA, July 21, 2025 - NodThera, a leading clinical-stage biotech delivering a paradigm shift in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases through selective modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, today announces the appointment of Dr. Jyothis George, M.D., Ph.D., FRCP, FACE as Chief Medical Officer, effective immediately. Jyothis brings a wealth of global leadership experience in cardiometabolic drug development, regulatory strategy and medical affairs. He joins NodThera from Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), where he served as Global Medical Vice President, Obesity and Related Conditions, driving strategic decision making on target indications and priority patient populations, securing investment to generate differentiating evidence and leading expert engagement. His recent responsibilities included strategic planning around MariTide, Amgen's lead candidate in obesity. Previously, Jyothis held leadership roles at Novo Nordisk (CPH: NOVO-B) and Boehringer Ingelheim, directing pivotal programs in obesity, diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. At Novo Nordisk, Jyothis was Corporate Vice President, Clinical Development, Medical Affairs and Regulatory. There he successfully delivered multiple key clinical trials across the Novo Nordisk portfolio, including major regulatory studies for several assets including semaglutide (Wegovy®) and launching impactful educational platforms such as ObesityME and the Diabetes Masters Network. At Boehringer Ingelheim, as Global Head of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Cardiometabolism, he led the clinical development and medical affairs teams for two blockbuster cardiometabolic assets: empagliflozin, the first diabetes treatment to gain an FDA cardiovascular mortality indication, and the DPP4 inhibitor linagliptin. During his tenure, he successfully delivered multiple global clinical trials, including serving on steering committees of six major cardiovascular outcomes trials. Daniel Swisher, Chief Executive Officer of NodThera, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Jyothis to NodThera as our Chief Medical Officer. He brings a critical combination of deep clinical and patient insight coupled to recent global leadership in cardiometabolic drug development, shaping landmark trials and delivering regulatory success. His expertise will be invaluable to NodThera as we advance our brain-penetrant NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors further through clinical development." Jyothis George, M.D., Ph.D., FRCP, FACE, commented: "Joining NodThera provides an exciting opportunity to transform the treatment of diseases driven by chronic low-grade inflammation. I am inspired by the science and the team's bold vision to reimagine what's possible for patients by restoring the body's natural metabolic balance. Together with the team, I am looking forward to building on NodThera's promising clinical momentum to deliver therapies that are not only differentiated, but truly transformative for patients." Jyothis holds an M.B.B.S. from St. John's Medical College in Bangalore, India; a Ph.D. in Neuroendocrinology from the University of Edinburgh, and is board certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes (UK). He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh) and the American College of Endocrinology and has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. He has previously served on the boards of Amgen Technologies Ireland and Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism. For more information about NodThera please contact: NodTheraTel: +44 (0) 1223 608130Email: info@ ICR Healthcare Amber Fennell, David Daley Tel: +44 (0)20 3709 5700Email: nodthera@ About NodTheraNodThera is a leading clinical-stage biotech developing brain-penetrant NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. Led by an experienced management team, NodThera is combining a deep understanding of NLRP3 inhibition, pharmaceutical neuroscience expertise and precision chemistry. Its two lead clinical candidates are oral, small molecule NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors, which have demonstrated differentiated, potentially best-in-class clinical profiles with significant anti-inflammatory effects and high brain penetration, offering distinct opportunities to treat multiple indications. The Company is backed by top-tier investors including 5AM Ventures, Blue Owl Capital, Epidarex Capital, F-Prime Capital, Novo Holdings, Sanofi Ventures and Sofinnova Partners. NodThera is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with additional operations in Cambridge, UK. Learn more at or follow the Company on in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Amgen (AMGN) Could Be a Hidden Gem Among Dividend Pharma Stocks in 2025
Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) is included among the 14 Best Pharma Dividend Stocks to Buy in 2025. A pharmacist filling a prescription for a complex drug developed by the company. In 2023, the company finalized its $28 billion acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics, a smaller biotech firm. This move helped broaden Amgen's product portfolio and reduced its reliance on older drugs like Enbrel, which are expected to weigh on future revenue and profit growth. The acquisition also brought in new growth opportunities, especially with Tepezza, the first FDA-approved treatment for thyroid eye disease. In the first quarter of 2025, Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) reported revenue of $8.15 billion, which showed a 9.4% growth from the same period last year. The company reported strong global demand for its products in the first quarter. Management expressed confidence in its long-term growth outlook, citing continued success with new product launches and positive Phase 3 trial results for several treatments. Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN)'s free cash flow for the quarter came in at $1.0 billion, up from $0.5 billion in the prior year period. Its operating cash flow was $1.4 billion, compared to $0.7 billion in the same period last year. The company also returned $1.3 billion to shareholders through dividends during the quarter. Currently, it offers a quarterly dividend of $2.38 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.19%, as of July 17. The company has raised its payouts since the inception of its dividend policy in 2011. While we acknowledge the potential of AMGN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
HSBC Trims Amgen (AMGN) Price Target, Maintains Buy Rating
Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) is one of the high-margin pharma stocks to buy now. HSBC has lowered its price target on Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) from $385 to $357 while reiterating a Buy rating, as concerns mount over potential earnings pressure tied to proposed U.S. trade policies. The firm's updated valuation reflects a more cautious outlook amid geopolitical uncertainty and the possibility of new tariffs on pharmaceutical imports. A pharmacist filling a prescription for a complex drug developed by the company. In a research note to clients, HSBC warned that a 25% U.S. tariff on certain pharmaceutical products could reduce earnings for companies like Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) by as much as 6% to 14%, depending on the final structure of the policy. While details remain fluid, analysts are increasingly factoring in trade-related headwinds as part of broader risk assessments across the healthcare sector. Beyond direct tariff exposure, HSBC also highlighted the potential for indirect financial impacts, including shifts in effective tax rates. These changes could further complicate earnings forecasts and weigh on investor sentiment heading into the second half of the year. Despite the lowered target, HSBC maintained a positive long-term view on Amgen, citing the company's robust pipeline and diversified portfolio of oncology, inflammation, and rare disease therapies. However, the firm acknowledged that near-term macro risks may cloud what has otherwise been a solid year for the biotech giant. While we acknowledge the potential of AMGN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: Top 10 Healthcare AI Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds and 10 Best Industrial Automation Stocks to Buy for the Next Decade Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
