1 day ago
On August 6, Corvus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:CRVS) held its second-quarter 2026 earnings call, and the story was almost entirely about one molecule. Soquelitinib, the company's oral ITK inhibitor, is now being tested across five different diseases at once, from a rare blood cancer to asthma. That kind of breadth from a single-asset biotech is either a sign of real conviction in the science or a company spreading itself thin before it has proven anything. The quarter's numbers and trial updates offer evidence for both readings.
The clearest bright spot is atopic dermatitis. In the highest-dose cohort of a Phase 1 trial, presented at the Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting, 75% of soquelitinib patients hit EASI-75 after 8 weeks of 200 milligram twice-daily dosing, versus 20% of patients on placebo. A quarter of treated patients reached EASI-90, and a third achieved clear or almost-clear skin, outcomes no placebo patient matched. Management also pointed to something more unusual: the benefit persisted after dosing stopped, without the rebound seen with other drugs in the class.
Corvus is carrying that data into a roughly 200-patient Phase 2 trial, called SEERA-1, with enrollment set to finish in early 2027 and results due the following quarter. The company's finances give it room to run. It ended the quarter with $215 million in cash and marketable securities, up from $56.8 million at the end of 2025, largely thanks to $189 million raised in a Q1 follow-on offering, enough to fund operations into the second quarter of 2028.
That cash cushion exists because Corvus is spending a lot more than it used to. R&D costs jumped to $16 million in the quarter from $7.9 million a year earlier, and the net loss more than doubled to $18 million from $8 million, driven by higher trial costs and added headcount tied to soquelitinib. The company remains a one-drug story in practice, and its most advanced program, a Phase 3 trial in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma, will not offer a public readout soon.
An independent committee is expected to run a futility ******* ysis around the first quarter of 2027, with no data released publicly at that time. Much of the atopic dermatitis story outside the US also runs through Angel Pharmaceuticals, a China-based partner in which Corvus just put another $5 million as part of a $13.5 million financing round. That trial's first cohort of 24 patients is not expected to finish enrolling until September, meaning part of the bull case still sits ahead of the company.
#corvus #company #pharmaceuticals
The clearest bright spot is atopic dermatitis. In the highest-dose cohort of a Phase 1 trial, presented at the Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting, 75% of soquelitinib patients hit EASI-75 after 8 weeks of 200 milligram twice-daily dosing, versus 20% of patients on placebo. A quarter of treated patients reached EASI-90, and a third achieved clear or almost-clear skin, outcomes no placebo patient matched. Management also pointed to something more unusual: the benefit persisted after dosing stopped, without the rebound seen with other drugs in the class.
Corvus is carrying that data into a roughly 200-patient Phase 2 trial, called SEERA-1, with enrollment set to finish in early 2027 and results due the following quarter. The company's finances give it room to run. It ended the quarter with $215 million in cash and marketable securities, up from $56.8 million at the end of 2025, largely thanks to $189 million raised in a Q1 follow-on offering, enough to fund operations into the second quarter of 2028.
That cash cushion exists because Corvus is spending a lot more than it used to. R&D costs jumped to $16 million in the quarter from $7.9 million a year earlier, and the net loss more than doubled to $18 million from $8 million, driven by higher trial costs and added headcount tied to soquelitinib. The company remains a one-drug story in practice, and its most advanced program, a Phase 3 trial in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma, will not offer a public readout soon.
An independent committee is expected to run a futility ******* ysis around the first quarter of 2027, with no data released publicly at that time. Much of the atopic dermatitis story outside the US also runs through Angel Pharmaceuticals, a China-based partner in which Corvus just put another $5 million as part of a $13.5 million financing round. That trial's first cohort of 24 patients is not expected to finish enrolling until September, meaning part of the bull case still sits ahead of the company.
#corvus #company #pharmaceuticals
8 days ago
Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) delivered a quarter that forced Wall Street to catch up to its own numbers. On August 5, the company reported second-quarter revenue of $23.0 billion, up 48% from a year earlier, and used the momentum to raise its full-year sales and profit targets. Shares moved higher the same day as investors focused on how fast the obesity franchise is still expanding.
The headline number came from Mounjaro and Zepbound. Mounjaro revenue jumped 91% to $9.9 billion, while Zepbound climbed 46% to $4.9 billion, and together they anchored a quarter where US sales rose 33% to $14.4 billion, and international sales rose 80% to $8.6 billion. Growth was not confined to the diabetes and obesity lineup either. Lilly's immunology, oncology, and neuroscience products grew a combined 121%, showing the newer parts of the portfolio are starting to contribute in a real way.
Management responded by lifting full-year revenue guidance to a range of $85 billion to $87 billion, up from $82 billion to $85 billion previously. Lilly is also plowing the cash back into its pipeline, closing acquisitions of Orna Therapeutics, Ajax Therapeutics, Centessa Pharmaceuticals, and Kelonia Therapeutics during the quarter, agreeing to buy AtaiBeckley afterward, and committing another $4.5 billion to expand manufacturing in Indiana. On the drug development side, three more Phase 3 trials of the experimental triple agonist retatrutide read out positively, giving Lilly a complete data package to support a planned obesity application submission in the first quarter of 2027.
The same quarter that produced 48% revenue growth also showed what that growth is costing. Realized prices fell 13% company-wide, with international pricing down 36% largely tied to Mounjaro's addition to China's national reimbursement drug list, a trade-off Lilly is making for volume and market access. The acquisition spree carried a real accounting price tag too. Acquired R&D charges hit $2.8 billion in the quarter, versus just $154 million a year earlier, which is why reported EPS grew only 26% even as the non-GAAP figure grew 33%.
Asset impairment and restructuring charges of $703 million, largely tied to the Kelonia and Centessa deals, added further drag, and the effective tax rate climbed to 23.3% from 16.5% because of the non-deductible nature of those charges. R&D spending rose 14% to $3.8 billion, and marketing and administrative costs rose 25% to $3.4 billion, a reminder that funding a pipeline this active and prepping for a wave of new launches is not cheap. None of this changes the underlying growth story, but it does mean the path from strong sales to clean reported profit is getting ****** pier as the deal-making continues.
#billion #lilly #therapeutics #reported
The headline number came from Mounjaro and Zepbound. Mounjaro revenue jumped 91% to $9.9 billion, while Zepbound climbed 46% to $4.9 billion, and together they anchored a quarter where US sales rose 33% to $14.4 billion, and international sales rose 80% to $8.6 billion. Growth was not confined to the diabetes and obesity lineup either. Lilly's immunology, oncology, and neuroscience products grew a combined 121%, showing the newer parts of the portfolio are starting to contribute in a real way.
Management responded by lifting full-year revenue guidance to a range of $85 billion to $87 billion, up from $82 billion to $85 billion previously. Lilly is also plowing the cash back into its pipeline, closing acquisitions of Orna Therapeutics, Ajax Therapeutics, Centessa Pharmaceuticals, and Kelonia Therapeutics during the quarter, agreeing to buy AtaiBeckley afterward, and committing another $4.5 billion to expand manufacturing in Indiana. On the drug development side, three more Phase 3 trials of the experimental triple agonist retatrutide read out positively, giving Lilly a complete data package to support a planned obesity application submission in the first quarter of 2027.
The same quarter that produced 48% revenue growth also showed what that growth is costing. Realized prices fell 13% company-wide, with international pricing down 36% largely tied to Mounjaro's addition to China's national reimbursement drug list, a trade-off Lilly is making for volume and market access. The acquisition spree carried a real accounting price tag too. Acquired R&D charges hit $2.8 billion in the quarter, versus just $154 million a year earlier, which is why reported EPS grew only 26% even as the non-GAAP figure grew 33%.
Asset impairment and restructuring charges of $703 million, largely tied to the Kelonia and Centessa deals, added further drag, and the effective tax rate climbed to 23.3% from 16.5% because of the non-deductible nature of those charges. R&D spending rose 14% to $3.8 billion, and marketing and administrative costs rose 25% to $3.4 billion, a reminder that funding a pipeline this active and prepping for a wave of new launches is not cheap. None of this changes the underlying growth story, but it does mean the path from strong sales to clean reported profit is getting ****** pier as the deal-making continues.
#billion #lilly #therapeutics #reported
12 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE). Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) a clinical stage biotechnology company, develops novel biologics for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other inflammatory and immunology indications. On August 04, 2026, Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) closed at $134.19 per share. One-month return of Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) was 1.05% and its shares gained 269.47% over the past 52 weeks. Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) has a market capitalization of $10.11 billion with a 52-week trading range between $34.34 - $134.46.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Favorable stock selection in biotechnology, mostly attributable to acquisition target Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE), was partly offset by higher exposure to this underperforming sub-industry. In June, Apogee announced an agreement to be acquired by AbbVie Inc. for $135.11 per share, representing a 49.5% premium over the prior day's closing stock price. We sold Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. following announcements that it was being acquired by AbbVie Inc."
Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 44 hedge fund portfolios held Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) at the end of the first quarter which was 35 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) 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
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE). Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) a clinical stage biotechnology company, develops novel biologics for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other inflammatory and immunology indications. On August 04, 2026, Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) closed at $134.19 per share. One-month return of Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) was 1.05% and its shares gained 269.47% over the past 52 weeks. Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) has a market capitalization of $10.11 billion with a 52-week trading range between $34.34 - $134.46.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Favorable stock selection in biotechnology, mostly attributable to acquisition target Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE), was partly offset by higher exposure to this underperforming sub-industry. In June, Apogee announced an agreement to be acquired by AbbVie Inc. for $135.11 per share, representing a 49.5% premium over the prior day's closing stock price. We sold Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. following announcements that it was being acquired by AbbVie Inc."
Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 44 hedge fund portfolios held Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) at the end of the first quarter which was 35 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:APGE) 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
13 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX). argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) is a commercial-stage biopharma company that develops various therapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases in the United States and internationally. On August 03, 2026, argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) closed at $830.79 per share. The one-month return of argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) was -9.69% and its shares gained 23.10% over the past 52 weeks. argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) has a market capitalization of $51.66 billion with a 52-week trading range between $631.47 - $953.58.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Biotechnology company argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) is best known for developing Vyvgart, the leading FcRn inhibitor for the treatment of autoimmune conditions. Shares rose after a period of prior weakness, which may have been partly driven by the retirement of longtime CEO Tim Van Hauwermeiren in early 2026. We view the transition to Karen Massey, who previously led the company's operations, as largely non-disruptive and believe she is well positioned to continue executing the company's strategy. Shares also benefited from optimism ahead of several clinical readouts, including data from studies of Vyvgart in immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy and dermatomyositis, expected in the third quarter of 2026, as well as empasibrupart in multifocal motor neuropathy, expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Vyvgart continues to launch well in generalized myasthenia gravis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, where we believe it has established itself as an important treatment option. We expect Vyvgart to demonstrate efficacy across an expanding range of autoantibody-driven autoimmune conditions over time and remain encouraged by argenx's pipeline progress."
#care #argx #baron #vyvgart
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX). argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) is a commercial-stage biopharma company that develops various therapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases in the United States and internationally. On August 03, 2026, argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) closed at $830.79 per share. The one-month return of argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) was -9.69% and its shares gained 23.10% over the past 52 weeks. argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) has a market capitalization of $51.66 billion with a 52-week trading range between $631.47 - $953.58.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Biotechnology company argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) is best known for developing Vyvgart, the leading FcRn inhibitor for the treatment of autoimmune conditions. Shares rose after a period of prior weakness, which may have been partly driven by the retirement of longtime CEO Tim Van Hauwermeiren in early 2026. We view the transition to Karen Massey, who previously led the company's operations, as largely non-disruptive and believe she is well positioned to continue executing the company's strategy. Shares also benefited from optimism ahead of several clinical readouts, including data from studies of Vyvgart in immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy and dermatomyositis, expected in the third quarter of 2026, as well as empasibrupart in multifocal motor neuropathy, expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Vyvgart continues to launch well in generalized myasthenia gravis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, where we believe it has established itself as an important treatment option. We expect Vyvgart to demonstrate efficacy across an expanding range of autoantibody-driven autoimmune conditions over time and remain encouraged by argenx's pipeline progress."
#care #argx #baron #vyvgart
13 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN). BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN), a precision diagnostics company leveraging its technology to quantify biology to create molecular diagnostics, delivered strong performance during the quarter. On August 03, 2026, BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) closed at $137.32 per share. The one-month return of BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) was 16.33%, and YTD its shares gained 67.79% over the past 52 weeks. BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) has a market capitalization of $6.32 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) is a diagnostics company that is disrupting the market with more accurate prenatal and oncology genetic tests. Today, the vast majority of the company's revenue is generated by UNITY, a unique prenatal test that can screen for recessive single gene disorders from a maternal blood draw and identify fetal antigen status across both red blood cell and platelet antigens. Shares rose in the second quarter after the company reported robust first-quarter results (revenue up 84% year over year with 22% operating margins) and announced a meaningful expansion of commercial insurance coverage for its UNITY test and new UNITY Confirm product, which can replace amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling to confirm a genetic diagnosis following a high-risk UNITY screening result. We continue to believe that BillionToOne's differentiated "quantitative counting template" technology enables more sensitive genetic testing. The company is making early headway in oncology with its SELECT therapy selection and RESPONSE therapy monitoring tests, which we think will be important future growth drivers."
#NASDAQ #baron
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN). BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN), a precision diagnostics company leveraging its technology to quantify biology to create molecular diagnostics, delivered strong performance during the quarter. On August 03, 2026, BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) closed at $137.32 per share. The one-month return of BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) was 16.33%, and YTD its shares gained 67.79% over the past 52 weeks. BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) has a market capitalization of $6.32 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) is a diagnostics company that is disrupting the market with more accurate prenatal and oncology genetic tests. Today, the vast majority of the company's revenue is generated by UNITY, a unique prenatal test that can screen for recessive single gene disorders from a maternal blood draw and identify fetal antigen status across both red blood cell and platelet antigens. Shares rose in the second quarter after the company reported robust first-quarter results (revenue up 84% year over year with 22% operating margins) and announced a meaningful expansion of commercial insurance coverage for its UNITY test and new UNITY Confirm product, which can replace amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling to confirm a genetic diagnosis following a high-risk UNITY screening result. We continue to believe that BillionToOne's differentiated "quantitative counting template" technology enables more sensitive genetic testing. The company is making early headway in oncology with its SELECT therapy selection and RESPONSE therapy monitoring tests, which we think will be important future growth drivers."
#NASDAQ #baron
13 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV). The fund re-established a position in Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV), a US-based health benefits company, during the quarter. On August 03, 2026, Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) closed at $382.77 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $81.54 billion. Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) posted a one-month return of -8.61%, while its shares gained 38.48% over the past 52 weeks.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"We re-established positions in two previously owned managed care companies, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated and Elevance Health, Inc. Both companies manage diversified portfolios, providing insurance and health care services to Commercial, Exchange, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members. We believe that the insurance cycle is turning more favorable for these companies, particularly in their Medicare Advantage businesses. After several years of elevated utilization trends, inadequate reimbursement, and regulatory challenges coupled with aggressive pricing to drive share gains, which drove operating margins to depressed levels, UnitedHealth and Elevance have exited unprofitable Medicare Advantage markets and products, right-sized benefits, and are now in the process of rebuilding profitability. We further think that the application of AI will enable them to take a significant bite out of administrative costs as well. Finally, we believe that the earnings power of both companies is well above current levels ******* uming they can approach their longterm target margins over the next few years. If we further ******* ume a reasonable multiple on future earnings power, we believe there is substantial upside in both stocks."
#care #baron
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV). The fund re-established a position in Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV), a US-based health benefits company, during the quarter. On August 03, 2026, Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) closed at $382.77 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $81.54 billion. Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) posted a one-month return of -8.61%, while its shares gained 38.48% over the past 52 weeks.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"We re-established positions in two previously owned managed care companies, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated and Elevance Health, Inc. Both companies manage diversified portfolios, providing insurance and health care services to Commercial, Exchange, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members. We believe that the insurance cycle is turning more favorable for these companies, particularly in their Medicare Advantage businesses. After several years of elevated utilization trends, inadequate reimbursement, and regulatory challenges coupled with aggressive pricing to drive share gains, which drove operating margins to depressed levels, UnitedHealth and Elevance have exited unprofitable Medicare Advantage markets and products, right-sized benefits, and are now in the process of rebuilding profitability. We further think that the application of AI will enable them to take a significant bite out of administrative costs as well. Finally, we believe that the earnings power of both companies is well above current levels ******* uming they can approach their longterm target margins over the next few years. If we further ******* ume a reasonable multiple on future earnings power, we believe there is substantial upside in both stocks."
#care #baron
13 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD). Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD), a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes medicines for unmet medical needs, detracted from the fund's performance during the quarter. On August 03, 2026, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) closed at $131.15 per share. The one-month return of Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) was -3.82%, and its shares gained 16.62% over the past 52 weeks. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) has a market capitalization of $162.83 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Biotechnology company Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) is best known for developing and commercializing therapies that treat and prevent HIV. Following a strong first-quarter advance driven by continued enthusiasm surrounding the launch of Yeztugo for HIV prevention, the stock detracted from performance in the second quarter. Shares pulled back after management issued conservative 2026 guidance in February, including expectations for approximately $800 million of Yeztugo sales, below investor expectations. Despite the more cautious outlook, we remain confident in Yeztugo's long-term opportunity. Unlike Descovy, a daily oral preventive treatment, Yeztugo is a twice-yearly injectable therapy that has the potential to significantly improve patient compliance. Looking ahead, we continue to view Gilead as a leader in HIV treatment and prevention, with Yeztugo representing an important new preventive option and a promising next-generation pipeline that includes a weekly oral lenacapavir and islatravir combination being developed with Merck & Co., Inc., as well as a wholly-owned weekly regimen incorporating a novel integrase inhibitor designed to offer a higher barrier to resistance."
#sciences #gild #Health
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD). Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD), a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes medicines for unmet medical needs, detracted from the fund's performance during the quarter. On August 03, 2026, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) closed at $131.15 per share. The one-month return of Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) was -3.82%, and its shares gained 16.62% over the past 52 weeks. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) has a market capitalization of $162.83 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Biotechnology company Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) is best known for developing and commercializing therapies that treat and prevent HIV. Following a strong first-quarter advance driven by continued enthusiasm surrounding the launch of Yeztugo for HIV prevention, the stock detracted from performance in the second quarter. Shares pulled back after management issued conservative 2026 guidance in February, including expectations for approximately $800 million of Yeztugo sales, below investor expectations. Despite the more cautious outlook, we remain confident in Yeztugo's long-term opportunity. Unlike Descovy, a daily oral preventive treatment, Yeztugo is a twice-yearly injectable therapy that has the potential to significantly improve patient compliance. Looking ahead, we continue to view Gilead as a leader in HIV treatment and prevention, with Yeztugo representing an important new preventive option and a promising next-generation pipeline that includes a weekly oral lenacapavir and islatravir combination being developed with Merck & Co., Inc., as well as a wholly-owned weekly regimen incorporating a novel integrase inhibitor designed to offer a higher barrier to resistance."
#sciences #gild #Health
13 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW). Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) is a medical technology company that provides products and technologies to treat advanced cardiovascular diseases. On August 3, 2026, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) closed at $88.82 per share. The one-month return of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) was -6.33% and its shares gained 12.09% over the past 52 weeks. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) has a market capitalization of $51.14 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) was a material tailwind in the period. Shares of Edwards, a medical technology company specializing in structural heart disease therapies, rose due to solid first quarter results and an updated Medicare coverage decision for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which has the potential to increase procedure volumes. We retain conviction as Edwards' lead in replacement therapies for mitral and tricuspid valves, which combined with a total addressable market that could approach the scale of core TAVR provides a durable and differentiated growth runway that competitors are years away from replicating."
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 68 hedge fund portfolios held Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) at the end of the first quarter which was 64 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) 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 tarif
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW). Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) is a medical technology company that provides products and technologies to treat advanced cardiovascular diseases. On August 3, 2026, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) closed at $88.82 per share. The one-month return of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) was -6.33% and its shares gained 12.09% over the past 52 weeks. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) has a market capitalization of $51.14 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) was a material tailwind in the period. Shares of Edwards, a medical technology company specializing in structural heart disease therapies, rose due to solid first quarter results and an updated Medicare coverage decision for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which has the potential to increase procedure volumes. We retain conviction as Edwards' lead in replacement therapies for mitral and tricuspid valves, which combined with a total addressable market that could approach the scale of core TAVR provides a durable and differentiated growth runway that competitors are years away from replicating."
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 68 hedge fund portfolios held Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) at the end of the first quarter which was 64 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) 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 tarif
13 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) as a notable performance contributor. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets human pharmaceutical products in the United States and internationally. On August 03, 2026, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) closed at $1,121.36 per share. The one-month return of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) was -9.24%, and its shares gained 46.40% over the past 52 weeks. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) has a market capitalization of $1.06 trillion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), currently best known for its diabetes and obesity GLP-1 therapies, contributed to performance as commercial execution and pipeline data reinforced investor confidence in the company's long-term leadership. All three major pharmacy benefit managers now cover Lilly's obesity portfolio, including its new daily oral GLP-1, Foundayo. This marks a reversal from last summer, when CVS Caremark provided preferred coverage for Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and raised concerns about a potential price war. The shift suggests that patients and physicians prefer Zepbound and are driving demand. Clinical trial data further reinforces our view that Lilly has one of the strongest next-generation metabolic pipelines in the industry. Phase 3 data showed retatrutide delivered weight loss in the high-20% range at higher doses and nearly 20% at lower doses, while maintaining excellent tolerability. We are also excited about eloralintide, where Phase 2 data showed Zepbound-like efficacy and tolerability, with combination data expected soon. Long term, we continue to view Lilly's portfolio as the gold standard in a category that we believe can exceed $150 billion."
#Health #investor #letter
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) as a notable performance contributor. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets human pharmaceutical products in the United States and internationally. On August 03, 2026, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) closed at $1,121.36 per share. The one-month return of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) was -9.24%, and its shares gained 46.40% over the past 52 weeks. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) has a market capitalization of $1.06 trillion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), currently best known for its diabetes and obesity GLP-1 therapies, contributed to performance as commercial execution and pipeline data reinforced investor confidence in the company's long-term leadership. All three major pharmacy benefit managers now cover Lilly's obesity portfolio, including its new daily oral GLP-1, Foundayo. This marks a reversal from last summer, when CVS Caremark provided preferred coverage for Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and raised concerns about a potential price war. The shift suggests that patients and physicians prefer Zepbound and are driving demand. Clinical trial data further reinforces our view that Lilly has one of the strongest next-generation metabolic pipelines in the industry. Phase 3 data showed retatrutide delivered weight loss in the high-20% range at higher doses and nearly 20% at lower doses, while maintaining excellent tolerability. We are also excited about eloralintide, where Phase 2 data showed Zepbound-like efficacy and tolerability, with combination data expected soon. Long term, we continue to view Lilly's portfolio as the gold standard in a category that we believe can exceed $150 billion."
#Health #investor #letter
13 days ago
By Michael Erman and Christy Santhosh
Aug 4 (Reuters) - Merck reported higher-than-expected second-quarter sales on Tuesday and raised its full-year revenue forecast on the strength of its top-selling cancer treatment Keytruda.
The U.S. drugmaker reported quarterly revenue of $16.61 billion, up 5% from a year earlier and above ******* ysts' average estimate of $16.36 billion, according to LSEG data.
Merck reported a loss for the quarter due to a $5.7 billion charge from its acquisition of cancer drug developer Terns Pharmaceuticals.
The company's reported loss in the quarter was 13 cents per share, including the $2.31 per share charge from the deal. ******* ysts had expected a larger adjusted loss per share of 27 cents, and Merck shares rose 0.6% to $128.54 in early trading.
#quarter #billion
Aug 4 (Reuters) - Merck reported higher-than-expected second-quarter sales on Tuesday and raised its full-year revenue forecast on the strength of its top-selling cancer treatment Keytruda.
The U.S. drugmaker reported quarterly revenue of $16.61 billion, up 5% from a year earlier and above ******* ysts' average estimate of $16.36 billion, according to LSEG data.
Merck reported a loss for the quarter due to a $5.7 billion charge from its acquisition of cancer drug developer Terns Pharmaceuticals.
The company's reported loss in the quarter was 13 cents per share, including the $2.31 per share charge from the deal. ******* ysts had expected a larger adjusted loss per share of 27 cents, and Merck shares rose 0.6% to $128.54 in early trading.
#quarter #billion
13 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE). Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for pattern hair loss in adults and children, contributed to the Fund's performance during the quarter. On August 03, 2026, Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE) closed at $101.89 per share. The one-month return of Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE) was -13.05%. Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE) has a market capitalization of $4.26 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE), a dermatologist founded, late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing VDPHL01, an extended-release oral minoxidil tablet for pattern hair loss. In April, the company reported solid Phase 3 data in male pattern hair loss. The drug demonstrated robust hair growth with up to 63% of male patients reporting improved hair coverage compared to just 13% on placebo. We await data from a second Phase 3 study of VDPHL01 in male pattern hair loss and the first clinical data from a Phase 2 study of VDPHL01 in female pattern hair loss patients, both expected in the second half of 2026. If VDPHL01 is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, we think it will be uniquely positioned as the first FDA-approved oral treatment in several decades for a condition affecting 80 million Americans."
#incorporated #vdphl01
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE). Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for pattern hair loss in adults and children, contributed to the Fund's performance during the quarter. On August 03, 2026, Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE) closed at $101.89 per share. The one-month return of Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE) was -13.05%. Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE) has a market capitalization of $4.26 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Veradermics, Incorporated (NYSE:MANE), a dermatologist founded, late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing VDPHL01, an extended-release oral minoxidil tablet for pattern hair loss. In April, the company reported solid Phase 3 data in male pattern hair loss. The drug demonstrated robust hair growth with up to 63% of male patients reporting improved hair coverage compared to just 13% on placebo. We await data from a second Phase 3 study of VDPHL01 in male pattern hair loss and the first clinical data from a Phase 2 study of VDPHL01 in female pattern hair loss patients, both expected in the second half of 2026. If VDPHL01 is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, we think it will be uniquely positioned as the first FDA-approved oral treatment in several decades for a condition affecting 80 million Americans."
#incorporated #vdphl01
13 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD). Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) manufactures and supplies precision instruments and services in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and internationally. On August 03, 2026, Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) closed at $1,445.00 per share. The one-month return of Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) was 10.84%, and its shares gained 15.44% over the past 52 weeks. Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) has a market capitalization of $28.95 billion..
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"We added to our position in Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD), a company we have owned in the Fund since inception. Mettler is a leading global provider of precision instruments and services. The company's products are used in key R&D, quality control, and manufacturing processes for customers in the life sciences, food, and chemicals industries, among others. We believe Mettler has multiple competitive advantages, including its strong brand, product offering and large installed base; large direct sales and service network; global supply chain; sophisticated sales and marketing programs; longstanding local presence in fast growing emerging markets; and culture of operational excellence and execution. The company has a long track record of generating consistent earnings growth. In the quarter, Mettler's organic revenue growth rate and guidance were slightly below expectations. We thought the negative stock reaction was way overblown, leading to a valuation the stock had not seen in many years. We are confident that over the long-term Mettler can generate mid-teens or better annual earnings growth."
#toledo
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD). Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) manufactures and supplies precision instruments and services in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and internationally. On August 03, 2026, Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) closed at $1,445.00 per share. The one-month return of Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) was 10.84%, and its shares gained 15.44% over the past 52 weeks. Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) has a market capitalization of $28.95 billion..
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"We added to our position in Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:MTD), a company we have owned in the Fund since inception. Mettler is a leading global provider of precision instruments and services. The company's products are used in key R&D, quality control, and manufacturing processes for customers in the life sciences, food, and chemicals industries, among others. We believe Mettler has multiple competitive advantages, including its strong brand, product offering and large installed base; large direct sales and service network; global supply chain; sophisticated sales and marketing programs; longstanding local presence in fast growing emerging markets; and culture of operational excellence and execution. The company has a long track record of generating consistent earnings growth. In the quarter, Mettler's organic revenue growth rate and guidance were slightly below expectations. We thought the negative stock reaction was way overblown, leading to a valuation the stock had not seen in many years. We are confident that over the long-term Mettler can generate mid-teens or better annual earnings growth."
#toledo
13 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM). Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM), which develops and commercializes therapies for patients with serious and rare diseases, detracted from the fund's performance during the quarter. On August 03, 2026, Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM) closed at $98.45 per share. The one-month return of Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM) was -12.56%, and its shares lost 11.59% over the past 52 weeks. Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM) has a market capitalization of $21.34 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Insmed Incorporated is a biotechnology company with three lead pulmonology ******* ets that we believe can collectively generate more than $8 billion in peak sales. We are particularly excited about Brinsupri for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, which we view as a $5 billion-plus opportunity. Despite what we believe has been a strong start to the launch, shares fell after first quarter Brinsupri sales missed expectations as investors focused on early signs of higher treatment discontinuations. Insmed's exit from the Nasdaq-100 Index created additional technical selling pressure. Long term, we continue to view Brinsupri as an important treatment option for the 500,000-plus bronchiectasis patients in the U.S. We remain bullish on the portfolio's long-term fundamentals, including the opportunity for treprostinil palmitil inhalation powder (TPIP), which is being studied for pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension ******* ociated with interstitial lung disease. Compared to existing inhaled prostanoids that require four daily treatments, once-daily TPIP is more convenient and can be dosed at significantly higher levels, potentially resulting in meaningfully better efficacy."
#fund #baron
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM). Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM), which develops and commercializes therapies for patients with serious and rare diseases, detracted from the fund's performance during the quarter. On August 03, 2026, Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM) closed at $98.45 per share. The one-month return of Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM) was -12.56%, and its shares lost 11.59% over the past 52 weeks. Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM) has a market capitalization of $21.34 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Insmed Incorporated (NASDAQ:INSM) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Insmed Incorporated is a biotechnology company with three lead pulmonology ******* ets that we believe can collectively generate more than $8 billion in peak sales. We are particularly excited about Brinsupri for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, which we view as a $5 billion-plus opportunity. Despite what we believe has been a strong start to the launch, shares fell after first quarter Brinsupri sales missed expectations as investors focused on early signs of higher treatment discontinuations. Insmed's exit from the Nasdaq-100 Index created additional technical selling pressure. Long term, we continue to view Brinsupri as an important treatment option for the 500,000-plus bronchiectasis patients in the U.S. We remain bullish on the portfolio's long-term fundamentals, including the opportunity for treprostinil palmitil inhalation powder (TPIP), which is being studied for pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension ******* ociated with interstitial lung disease. Compared to existing inhaled prostanoids that require four daily treatments, once-daily TPIP is more convenient and can be dosed at significantly higher levels, potentially resulting in meaningfully better efficacy."
#fund #baron
13 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG). Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) develops, manufactures, and markets products that enable physicians and healthcare providers to enhance the quality of and access to minimally invasive care in the United States and internationally. On August 3, 2026, Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) closed at $375.41 per share. The one-month return of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) was -13.53% and its shares lost 26.60% over the past 52 weeks. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) has a market capitalization of $132.62 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) sells robotic-assisted surgical systems. Shares declined after the company's first-quarter U.S. system placements came in below investor expectations. Medical device stocks also broadly underperformed the market amid concerns that health care utilization trends could decelerate following the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Concerns were further compounded by the potential impact of Medicaid work requirements expected to take effect in 2027. Despite these headwinds, we believe Intuitive can continue to grow revenue at a mid-teens rate for many years and remain positive on the company's long-term growth outlook."
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 103 hedge fund portfolios held Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) at the end of the first quarter which was 109 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) 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
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG). Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) develops, manufactures, and markets products that enable physicians and healthcare providers to enhance the quality of and access to minimally invasive care in the United States and internationally. On August 3, 2026, Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) closed at $375.41 per share. The one-month return of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) was -13.53% and its shares lost 26.60% over the past 52 weeks. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) has a market capitalization of $132.62 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) sells robotic-assisted surgical systems. Shares declined after the company's first-quarter U.S. system placements came in below investor expectations. Medical device stocks also broadly underperformed the market amid concerns that health care utilization trends could decelerate following the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Concerns were further compounded by the potential impact of Medicaid work requirements expected to take effect in 2027. Despite these headwinds, we believe Intuitive can continue to grow revenue at a mid-teens rate for many years and remain positive on the company's long-term growth outlook."
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 103 hedge fund portfolios held Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) at the end of the first quarter which was 109 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) 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
13 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) as a new addition. Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) is a clinical-stage precision oncology company that develops novel targeted therapies for RAS-addicted cancers. On August 3, 2026, Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) closed at $182.45 per share. The one-month return of Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) was -4.21% and its shares gained 375.25% over the past 52 weeks. Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) has a market capitalization of $38.79 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"We added to our position in Revolution Medicines, Inc., a biotechnology company developing medicines to treat cancers driven by rat sarcoma (RAS) mutations. The company estimates there are 190,000 new cancer diagnoses each year in the U.S. that are driven by RAS mutations, including approximately 60,000 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, 75,000 patients with colorectal cancer, and 56,000 patients with pancreatic cancer. In April, the company released topline results from its RASolute 302 trial in which patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who received the company's medicine Daraxonrasib in the second line had a median overall survival of 13.2 months compared to 6.7 months for the patients who received chemotherapy. Subsequently at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the clinical trial investigators presented the full data which confirmed the groundbreaking results. In this patient population, Daraxonrasib reduced the risk of death by 60% compared with chemotherapy. The presentation at ASCO received a standing ovation, which is rare in oncology and even rarer in pancreatic cancer. Daraxonrasib represents the first major advance in pancreatic cancer in over 30 years. Also, duri
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) as a new addition. Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) is a clinical-stage precision oncology company that develops novel targeted therapies for RAS-addicted cancers. On August 3, 2026, Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) closed at $182.45 per share. The one-month return of Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) was -4.21% and its shares gained 375.25% over the past 52 weeks. Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) has a market capitalization of $38.79 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Revolution Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVMD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"We added to our position in Revolution Medicines, Inc., a biotechnology company developing medicines to treat cancers driven by rat sarcoma (RAS) mutations. The company estimates there are 190,000 new cancer diagnoses each year in the U.S. that are driven by RAS mutations, including approximately 60,000 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, 75,000 patients with colorectal cancer, and 56,000 patients with pancreatic cancer. In April, the company released topline results from its RASolute 302 trial in which patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who received the company's medicine Daraxonrasib in the second line had a median overall survival of 13.2 months compared to 6.7 months for the patients who received chemotherapy. Subsequently at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the clinical trial investigators presented the full data which confirmed the groundbreaking results. In this patient population, Daraxonrasib reduced the risk of death by 60% compared with chemotherapy. The presentation at ASCO received a standing ovation, which is rare in oncology and even rarer in pancreatic cancer. Daraxonrasib represents the first major advance in pancreatic cancer in over 30 years. Also, duri
13 days ago
The pharmaceutical giant sent shareholders a fortune in cash, yet the stock itself fell far behind the market. Here is the honest accounting of what owners actually got.
For an income investor holding Pfizer (PFE) stock, which trades around $25 a share, the last five years have posed a sharp question. The company returned an extraordinary $49 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. That figure, equal to 34% of its current market value, is a gusher of cash by any standard. But over that same period, the stock's total return was -21%, while the S&P 500 delivered an +81% gain. The paradox is the whole story: the company showered owners with cash while the stock lagged. Was holding worth it, and is it now?
The machine behind the payout is a large pharmaceuticals business with $63.31 billion in revenue over the last twelve months. Its operating margin of 25% runs well ahead of the 18.4% median for the S&P 500, generating the substantial free cash flow needed to fund shareholder returns. Of the $49 billion returned over five years, the vast majority, $47 billion, came from dividends, with a smaller $2.0 billion spent on share repurchases.
This dividend focus is a core part of the company's stated strategy. Management recently affirmed its commitment, stating on its latest earnings call, "We intend to maintain and over time, grow our dividend as we continue to de-lever and build long-term value." For shareholders, this has meant a steady stream of checks from a business built for scale.
While the checks were generous, the total return figure tells a sobering story. The -21% return already includes reinvested dividends; the stock's price performance was significantly worse. The market has been pricing the stock not on its past cash generation, but on its future challenges. The honest catch is the looming patent cliff, what the industry calls loss of exclusivity (LOE). Management recently sized this headwind at "$14 billion to $15 billion" in annual revenue at risk.
#billion #cash #behind
For an income investor holding Pfizer (PFE) stock, which trades around $25 a share, the last five years have posed a sharp question. The company returned an extraordinary $49 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. That figure, equal to 34% of its current market value, is a gusher of cash by any standard. But over that same period, the stock's total return was -21%, while the S&P 500 delivered an +81% gain. The paradox is the whole story: the company showered owners with cash while the stock lagged. Was holding worth it, and is it now?
The machine behind the payout is a large pharmaceuticals business with $63.31 billion in revenue over the last twelve months. Its operating margin of 25% runs well ahead of the 18.4% median for the S&P 500, generating the substantial free cash flow needed to fund shareholder returns. Of the $49 billion returned over five years, the vast majority, $47 billion, came from dividends, with a smaller $2.0 billion spent on share repurchases.
This dividend focus is a core part of the company's stated strategy. Management recently affirmed its commitment, stating on its latest earnings call, "We intend to maintain and over time, grow our dividend as we continue to de-lever and build long-term value." For shareholders, this has meant a steady stream of checks from a business built for scale.
While the checks were generous, the total return figure tells a sobering story. The -21% return already includes reinvested dividends; the stock's price performance was significantly worse. The market has been pricing the stock not on its past cash generation, but on its future challenges. The honest catch is the looming patent cliff, what the industry calls loss of exclusivity (LOE). Management recently sized this headwind at "$14 billion to $15 billion" in annual revenue at risk.
#billion #cash #behind
14 days ago
Aug 3 (Reuters) - Vertex Pharmaceuticals on Monday raised the upper end of its annual revenue forecast, banking on robust demand for its cystic fibrosis treatments.
The company expects its annual revenue to be between $13.1 billion and $13.2 billion, compared with $12.95 billion to $13.1 billion previously. **** ysts on average expect 2026 revenue of $13.07 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.
Vertex said its annual outlook excludes the pending Crinetics acquisition and that an updated forecast will be provided after the deal closes, which is expected in the third quarter.
Here are more details:
• Vertex's $10 billion acquisition of Crinetics expands its reach beyond cystic fibrosis, adding endocrine disorders to a diversification strategy that already includes povetacicept in kidney, Casgevy in sickle cell and Journavx in pain, **** ysts had said.
#cystic #fibrosis
The company expects its annual revenue to be between $13.1 billion and $13.2 billion, compared with $12.95 billion to $13.1 billion previously. **** ysts on average expect 2026 revenue of $13.07 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.
Vertex said its annual outlook excludes the pending Crinetics acquisition and that an updated forecast will be provided after the deal closes, which is expected in the third quarter.
Here are more details:
• Vertex's $10 billion acquisition of Crinetics expands its reach beyond cystic fibrosis, adding endocrine disorders to a diversification strategy that already includes povetacicept in kidney, Casgevy in sickle cell and Journavx in pain, **** ysts had said.
#cystic #fibrosis
14 days ago
Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG). Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) develops, manufactures, and markets products that enable physicians and healthcare providers to enhance the quality of and access to minimally invasive care in the United States and internationally. On August 3, 2026, Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) closed at $375.41 per share. The one-month return of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) was -13.53% and its shares lost 26.60% over the past 52 weeks. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) has a market capitalization of $132.62 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) sells robotic-assisted surgical systems. Shares declined after the company's first-quarter U.S. system placements came in below investor expectations. Medical device stocks also broadly underperformed the market amid concerns that health care utilization trends could decelerate following the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Concerns were further compounded by the potential impact of Medicaid work requirements expected to take effect in 2027. Despite these headwinds, we believe Intuitive can continue to grow revenue at a mid-teens rate for many years and remain positive on the company's long-term growth outlook."
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 103 hedge fund portfolios held Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) at the end of the first quarter which was 109 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) 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
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG). Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) develops, manufactures, and markets products that enable physicians and healthcare providers to enhance the quality of and access to minimally invasive care in the United States and internationally. On August 3, 2026, Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) closed at $375.41 per share. The one-month return of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) was -13.53% and its shares lost 26.60% over the past 52 weeks. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) has a market capitalization of $132.62 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) sells robotic-assisted surgical systems. Shares declined after the company's first-quarter U.S. system placements came in below investor expectations. Medical device stocks also broadly underperformed the market amid concerns that health care utilization trends could decelerate following the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Concerns were further compounded by the potential impact of Medicaid work requirements expected to take effect in 2027. Despite these headwinds, we believe Intuitive can continue to grow revenue at a mid-teens rate for many years and remain positive on the company's long-term growth outlook."
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 103 hedge fund portfolios held Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) at the end of the first quarter which was 109 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) 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
18 days ago
This has been an active year in the mergers-and-acquisitions landscape across the biopharmaceutical industry. One of the more notable deals was Vertex Pharmaceuticals' acquisition of Crinetics Pharmaceuticals for $10 billion in cash (the transaction hasn't closed yet). This is the largest acquisition in Vertex Pharmaceuticals' history, and it will enable the biotech giant to gain several promising pipeline candidates in endocrinology. Could there be an even more massive acquisition on the horizon in the industry? It's hard to say for sure, but if there is, Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) may be the acquisition target.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a little over 70% of adults in the country are overweight or obese. Excess weight is linked to a range of serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and many others. Recent breakthroughs are helping address the issue. Anti-obesity medicines are allowing patients to lose weight and reduce their risk of developing a range of conditions. But this market is still in its early stages and is projected to expand rapidly over the next decade. According to some estimates, it will be worth $190 billion in 2035, compared to just $79 billion last year.
No wonder, then, that many pharmaceutical giants are looking to dip their toes in this **** e. But discovering and developing brand-new therapies from scratch in any field is expensive and time-consuming. That's why well-established drugmakers often prefer to acquire companies with promising mid and late-stage **** ets. That's where Viking Therapeutics comes in. The company's portfolio includes subcutaneous VK2735, currently in phase 3 clinical trials, as well as an oral version of the drug, which should begin late-stage studies by year-end. Further, Viking Therapeutics developed VK3019, another weight-loss candidate, which recently started phase 1 clinical trials.
Viking Therapeutics has one of the more impressive weight-loss pipelines among mid-cap biotechs, making it a great target for a pharmaceutical leader looking to fast-track the process and land some highly promising anti-obesity pipeline candidates overnight. Viking Therapeutics' phase 3 studies for VK2735 are expected to be completed by late 2027. If the results are very strong, the company's shares will soar, making it a much more expensive acquisition target. So, if any pharmaceutical giant is going to make a move, it probably will be before then.
#viking #NVIDIA #weight #promising
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a little over 70% of adults in the country are overweight or obese. Excess weight is linked to a range of serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and many others. Recent breakthroughs are helping address the issue. Anti-obesity medicines are allowing patients to lose weight and reduce their risk of developing a range of conditions. But this market is still in its early stages and is projected to expand rapidly over the next decade. According to some estimates, it will be worth $190 billion in 2035, compared to just $79 billion last year.
No wonder, then, that many pharmaceutical giants are looking to dip their toes in this **** e. But discovering and developing brand-new therapies from scratch in any field is expensive and time-consuming. That's why well-established drugmakers often prefer to acquire companies with promising mid and late-stage **** ets. That's where Viking Therapeutics comes in. The company's portfolio includes subcutaneous VK2735, currently in phase 3 clinical trials, as well as an oral version of the drug, which should begin late-stage studies by year-end. Further, Viking Therapeutics developed VK3019, another weight-loss candidate, which recently started phase 1 clinical trials.
Viking Therapeutics has one of the more impressive weight-loss pipelines among mid-cap biotechs, making it a great target for a pharmaceutical leader looking to fast-track the process and land some highly promising anti-obesity pipeline candidates overnight. Viking Therapeutics' phase 3 studies for VK2735 are expected to be completed by late 2027. If the results are very strong, the company's shares will soar, making it a much more expensive acquisition target. So, if any pharmaceutical giant is going to make a move, it probably will be before then.
#viking #NVIDIA #weight #promising
19 days ago
July 29 (Reuters) - Biogen reported second-quarter profit and revenue that topped Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, driven by strong demand for its rare-disease medicines, while sales of its legacy multiple sclerosis drugs stayed under pressure.
Investors are closely watching whether recent deals and newer products including its Alzheimer's drug Leqembi can reignite growth and help the company navigate mounting competition and pricing pressure across its aging multiple sclerosis portfolio.
Despite an upbeat quarter, Biogen cut its 2026 adjusted per-share profit forecast to between $12 and $13 from between $14.25 and $15.25 per share earlier, reflecting a $3.85 per share impact from acquisition-related charges.
Analysts were expecting 2026 profit of $12.72 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.
The drugmaker said its $5.6 billion buyout of Apellis Pharmaceuticals earlier this year would account for an 85-cent-per-share hit to annual profit.
#biogen #quarter #july
Investors are closely watching whether recent deals and newer products including its Alzheimer's drug Leqembi can reignite growth and help the company navigate mounting competition and pricing pressure across its aging multiple sclerosis portfolio.
Despite an upbeat quarter, Biogen cut its 2026 adjusted per-share profit forecast to between $12 and $13 from between $14.25 and $15.25 per share earlier, reflecting a $3.85 per share impact from acquisition-related charges.
Analysts were expecting 2026 profit of $12.72 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.
The drugmaker said its $5.6 billion buyout of Apellis Pharmaceuticals earlier this year would account for an 85-cent-per-share hit to annual profit.
#biogen #quarter #july
21 days ago
Varun Sharma, founder and CEO of NEUVIOR, reflects on the necessitates of the recently forged India-UK pharma trade deal.
The India UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement became operational on 15 July. That is good news for businesses in both countries. It is also the moment to stop treating tariff reduction as a synonym for market access, especially in pharmaceuticals, medical technology and digital health.
Medicines and devices do not move from factory to patient through one gate. They move through at least five. A product must qualify for the tariff preference under the rules of origin. It must have the right approval in the destination market. Its manufacturing and quality evidence must withstand inspection. It must meet the terms of any public procurement. Its people, systems and data must be able to operate lawfully across borders.
The agreement changes some of these gates. It does not collapse them.
The Indian schedule places 198 of 226 pharmaceutical tariff lines in immediate staging, four already at zero, with the rest phased over five or ten years. Medical technology receives a more mixed pattern of phased elimination and partial reduction. These preferences matter, but only for products that satisfy the product specific origin rule.
#trade #market #technology #move
The India UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement became operational on 15 July. That is good news for businesses in both countries. It is also the moment to stop treating tariff reduction as a synonym for market access, especially in pharmaceuticals, medical technology and digital health.
Medicines and devices do not move from factory to patient through one gate. They move through at least five. A product must qualify for the tariff preference under the rules of origin. It must have the right approval in the destination market. Its manufacturing and quality evidence must withstand inspection. It must meet the terms of any public procurement. Its people, systems and data must be able to operate lawfully across borders.
The agreement changes some of these gates. It does not collapse them.
The Indian schedule places 198 of 226 pharmaceutical tariff lines in immediate staging, four already at zero, with the rest phased over five or ten years. Medical technology receives a more mixed pattern of phased elimination and partial reduction. These preferences matter, but only for products that satisfy the product specific origin rule.
#trade #market #technology #move
21 days ago
2026 has marked a significant turning point in biotech capital markets, not just a small comeback. Venture funding for biotech startups reached $9.1 billion in the first half of the year, the highest first-half total since 2022, while 13 biotech IPOs raised a combined $4.5 billion, with a median haul of nearly $302 million per offering, unusually high by recent standards, with the majority of this year's debutants still trading above their offering price. Dealmaking has also maintained its pace, with 38 acquisitions closing in the same time period, placing the industry at its fastest M&A pace in at least seven years.
Underneath that broad comeback is a more unique validation story for RNA interference in particular. The market for RNAi treatments is expected to rise from $2.9 billion in 2025 to $3.6 billion in 2026. This growth comes after RNAi spent nearly two decades as a research curiosity before receiving its first licensed medicine in 2018. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALNY) has recently emerged as the clearest example of this transition, and the market's reaction raises the question of whether the story has been properly priced.
During Q1 2026, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALNY) exceeded $1 billion in quarterly product revenue for the first time in its history, with $1.036 billion in net product revenue, up 121% year-over-year and 4% sequentially over Q4 2025, on total revenue of $1.17 billion, up 96% year-over-year. AMVUTTRA alone delivered $890 million, bringing total TTR franchise revenue (AMVUTTRA plus ONPATTRO) to $910 million, up 153% from the previous year.
That growth completely flipped the company's bottom line: GAAP net income was $206 million, compared to a $15.9 million loss in the same quarter the previous year, and GAAP income from operations came in at $268.6 million, up from a prior-year loss. A company that continued to burn cash a year ago is now solidly profitable on a GAAP basis.
The growth is also not driven by a single medicine, which is important for long-term viability. The rare disease franchise, GIVLAARI and OXLUMO, added $126 million, increasing 15% year-over-year, while AMVUTTRA's worldwide rollout has reached seven markets, with payment negotiations still ongoing in the Spanish and French markets. This means that a significant portion of the revenue base is yet to be released.
#revenue #first #gaap #markets
Underneath that broad comeback is a more unique validation story for RNA interference in particular. The market for RNAi treatments is expected to rise from $2.9 billion in 2025 to $3.6 billion in 2026. This growth comes after RNAi spent nearly two decades as a research curiosity before receiving its first licensed medicine in 2018. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALNY) has recently emerged as the clearest example of this transition, and the market's reaction raises the question of whether the story has been properly priced.
During Q1 2026, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALNY) exceeded $1 billion in quarterly product revenue for the first time in its history, with $1.036 billion in net product revenue, up 121% year-over-year and 4% sequentially over Q4 2025, on total revenue of $1.17 billion, up 96% year-over-year. AMVUTTRA alone delivered $890 million, bringing total TTR franchise revenue (AMVUTTRA plus ONPATTRO) to $910 million, up 153% from the previous year.
That growth completely flipped the company's bottom line: GAAP net income was $206 million, compared to a $15.9 million loss in the same quarter the previous year, and GAAP income from operations came in at $268.6 million, up from a prior-year loss. A company that continued to burn cash a year ago is now solidly profitable on a GAAP basis.
The growth is also not driven by a single medicine, which is important for long-term viability. The rare disease franchise, GIVLAARI and OXLUMO, added $126 million, increasing 15% year-over-year, while AMVUTTRA's worldwide rollout has reached seven markets, with payment negotiations still ongoing in the Spanish and French markets. This means that a significant portion of the revenue base is yet to be released.
#revenue #first #gaap #markets
25 days ago
Moon Capital Management, LLC, an investment management company, released its second quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The S&P 500 index rebounded in the second quarter, achieving a 9.6% return for the first half of the year, while Moon Capital Management's equity portfolio gained 4%. AI-related stocks led market performance, mitigating geopolitical concerns. Moon Capital holds 10% of its portfolio in technology, significantly less than the S&P 500's 39%. The firm remains cautious about large AI investments and their potential return on investment. In addition, please check the Strategy's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Moon Capital Management highlighted Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) as a newly added position. Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) is an animal health company focused on animal health medications, vaccines, and diagnostic products. On July 22, 2026, Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) closed at $74.19 per share. One-month return of Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) was -4.66%, and its shares lost 51.45% over the past 52 weeks. Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) has a market capitalization of $31.1 billion.
Moon Capital Management stated the following regarding Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"We added one new stock to the portfolio last quarter, Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS). (Our average purchase price was about $73.20/share.) Zoetis is the world's largest pure-play animal health company. We have long viewed Zoetis as one of the highest-quality businesses in healthcare (albeit for mostly four legged patients), and the company has generally been valued accordingly. However, temporary concerns around slower companion animal growth and increased competitive pressures created an opportunity to purchase the company at an attractive price. After trading above 30 times earnings for much of the past decade, Zoetis now has a P/E of less than 11x, a valuation we believe significantly understates the quality, durability, and long-term earnings power of the business.
The animal health industry is attractive as it combines the defensive characteristics of healthcare investing with a more favorable industry structure than traditional pharmaceuticals. In contrast to human healthcare, a significant portion of animal health spending is paid directly by owners, which reduces reimbursement pressure. The industry also benefits from lower research and development costs, shorter development timelines, and strong relationships with veterinarians. These relationships, combined with regulatory barriers and specialized technical expertise, create meaningful switching costs and contribute to long product lifecycles..." (Click here to read the full text)
#capital
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Moon Capital Management highlighted Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) as a newly added position. Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) is an animal health company focused on animal health medications, vaccines, and diagnostic products. On July 22, 2026, Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) closed at $74.19 per share. One-month return of Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) was -4.66%, and its shares lost 51.45% over the past 52 weeks. Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) has a market capitalization of $31.1 billion.
Moon Capital Management stated the following regarding Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"We added one new stock to the portfolio last quarter, Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS). (Our average purchase price was about $73.20/share.) Zoetis is the world's largest pure-play animal health company. We have long viewed Zoetis as one of the highest-quality businesses in healthcare (albeit for mostly four legged patients), and the company has generally been valued accordingly. However, temporary concerns around slower companion animal growth and increased competitive pressures created an opportunity to purchase the company at an attractive price. After trading above 30 times earnings for much of the past decade, Zoetis now has a P/E of less than 11x, a valuation we believe significantly understates the quality, durability, and long-term earnings power of the business.
The animal health industry is attractive as it combines the defensive characteristics of healthcare investing with a more favorable industry structure than traditional pharmaceuticals. In contrast to human healthcare, a significant portion of animal health spending is paid directly by owners, which reduces reimbursement pressure. The industry also benefits from lower research and development costs, shorter development timelines, and strong relationships with veterinarians. These relationships, combined with regulatory barriers and specialized technical expertise, create meaningful switching costs and contribute to long product lifecycles..." (Click here to read the full text)
#capital
25 days ago
Valued at a market cap of $68.8 billion, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN) is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, and commercializes antibody-based medicines for serious diseases. Headquartered in Tarrytown, New York, the company is known for leveraging its proprietary genetic research and antibody technologies to develop innovative therapies.
REGN is scheduled to announce its fiscal Q2 earnings for 2026 before the market opens on Thursday, July 30. Ahead of the release, **** ysts expect this healthcare company to report a profit of $8 per share, down 25.4% from $10.72 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has topped Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in each of the last four quarters.
Dear **** eX Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for July 23
Walmart Stock's Extended Downturn Could Trigger a Possible Comeback
The Biggest Risk to **** eX Stock Comes After Earnings. Here Are The Numbers You Should Keep An Eye On.
#regn #SpaceX
REGN is scheduled to announce its fiscal Q2 earnings for 2026 before the market opens on Thursday, July 30. Ahead of the release, **** ysts expect this healthcare company to report a profit of $8 per share, down 25.4% from $10.72 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has topped Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in each of the last four quarters.
Dear **** eX Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for July 23
Walmart Stock's Extended Downturn Could Trigger a Possible Comeback
The Biggest Risk to **** eX Stock Comes After Earnings. Here Are The Numbers You Should Keep An Eye On.
#regn #SpaceX
26 days ago
Indianapolis, Indiana-based Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) is a leading pharmaceutical company that sells Trulicity, Verzenio and Taltz drugs. The company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals. With a market cap of $1.1 trillion, LLY's products include neuroscience, endocrine, anti-infectives, cardiovascular agents, oncology, and animal health products. The pharmaceutical giant is expected to announce its fiscal second-quarter earnings for 2026 before the market opens on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Ahead of the event, ****** ysts expect LLY to report a profit of $7.47 per share on a diluted basis, up 18.4% from $6.31 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has consistently surpassed Wall Street's EPS estimates in its last four quarterly reports.
PayPal Says a $53 Billion Takeover Offer from Stripe Undervalues It. How to Play PYPL Stock Here.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos Called Amazon's Customer Service to Prove a Point But Waited in Silence for More Than 10 Minutes — 'It Was Really Long'
Micron Stock Is Near Bear-Market Territory. Here's Why ASML's Guidance Says Buy the Dip.
#indiana
Ahead of the event, ****** ysts expect LLY to report a profit of $7.47 per share on a diluted basis, up 18.4% from $6.31 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has consistently surpassed Wall Street's EPS estimates in its last four quarterly reports.
PayPal Says a $53 Billion Takeover Offer from Stripe Undervalues It. How to Play PYPL Stock Here.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos Called Amazon's Customer Service to Prove a Point But Waited in Silence for More Than 10 Minutes — 'It Was Really Long'
Micron Stock Is Near Bear-Market Territory. Here's Why ASML's Guidance Says Buy the Dip.
#indiana
26 days ago
Drew Brees was diagnosed with severe food allergies early in his NFL career and struggled with inflammation and recovery
He is partnering with ARS Pharmaceuticals to promote neffy, a needle-free epinephrine nasal spray for severe allergy attacks
Brees manages his family's health, including his son's celiac disease, with regular testing and a focus on gut health
From Super Bowl champ to health advocate, New Orleans legend Drew Brees knows the importance of preparation, especially when it comes to taking care of your body.
Brees, 47, was diagnosed with several severe food allergies around 2004, near the beginning of his two decades in the NFL.
#brees
He is partnering with ARS Pharmaceuticals to promote neffy, a needle-free epinephrine nasal spray for severe allergy attacks
Brees manages his family's health, including his son's celiac disease, with regular testing and a focus on gut health
From Super Bowl champ to health advocate, New Orleans legend Drew Brees knows the importance of preparation, especially when it comes to taking care of your body.
Brees, 47, was diagnosed with several severe food allergies around 2004, near the beginning of his two decades in the NFL.
#brees
30 days ago
Cathie Wood's ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (NYSEMKT: ARKG) focuses on companies in the genomics sector, especially in healthcare. Since the beginning of July, Wood has, through this Ark Invest exchange-traded fund (ETF), bought $15.3 million worth of Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: IONS), a biotech company based in Carlsbad, California.
The stock is down nearly 37% from its 2026 high earlier this month, with much of that decline coming after it and its partner AstraZeneca announced a surprise late-stage trial failure regarding eplontersen, a medicine used to treat patients with transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy, or ATTR-CM, a rare heart disease. All of Wood's recent Ionis purchases came after that announcement, suggesting she is taking advantage of the stock's decline to buy more shares while maintaining a long-term view that the company is worth investing in.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Let's see what she may be seeing.
In June 2026, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ionis's drug Tryngolza (olezarsen) for treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), a condition characterized by elevated blood triglyceride levels. Tryngolza's initial approval in 2024 was for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), a rare disease that causes high levels of triglycerides in the blood. FCS affects only about 3,000 people in the U.S., but the new sHTG approval expands its target market to more than 3 million potential patients in the U.S. alone.
The stock is down nearly 37% from its 2026 high earlier this month, with much of that decline coming after it and its partner AstraZeneca announced a surprise late-stage trial failure regarding eplontersen, a medicine used to treat patients with transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy, or ATTR-CM, a rare heart disease. All of Wood's recent Ionis purchases came after that announcement, suggesting she is taking advantage of the stock's decline to buy more shares while maintaining a long-term view that the company is worth investing in.
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Let's see what she may be seeing.
In June 2026, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ionis's drug Tryngolza (olezarsen) for treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), a condition characterized by elevated blood triglyceride levels. Tryngolza's initial approval in 2024 was for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), a rare disease that causes high levels of triglycerides in the blood. FCS affects only about 3,000 people in the U.S., but the new sHTG approval expands its target market to more than 3 million potential patients in the U.S. alone.
1 month ago
AtaiBeckley (NASDAQ:ATAI), a clinical-stage mental health and psychedelic drug developer, closed at $7.15, up 33.4%. Eli Lilly's (NYSE:LLY) announced acquisition drove the move, and investors are watching the deal terms and closing process. Trading volume reached 164.9M shares, coming in about 1,494% above its three-month average of 10.3M shares. AtaiBeckley IPO'd in 2021 and has fallen 64% since going public.
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) fell 0.50% to 7,535, and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) fell 1.47% to 25,882. Among clinical-stage biopharmaceuticals focused on mental health and psychedelic therapeutics, COMPASS Pathways (NASDAQ:CMPS) fell 6.61% to $12.43, while broader psychedelics sentiment stayed tied to AtaiBeckley's Lilly deal.
Pharmaceutical behemoth Eli Lilly acquired AtaiBeckley in a purchase worth up to $3.8 billion today, sending the latter's shares 34% higher. The deal consists of $6.75 in cash per ATAI share, as well as $2.50 in contingent value rights (CVRs) tied to two of AtaiBeckley's treatments meeting certain milestones over the next four, five, and seven years.
Thanks to the value of these CVRs, ATAI's $7.15 share price currently sits above the $6.75 cash portion of the deal, suggesting the market sees potential in AtaiBeckley's psychedelic treatments reaching their various milestones. AtaiBeckley offers DMT and other psychedelic treatments for depression, anxiety, and opioid use disorder, and has seen its stock double over the last year thanks to today's deal and the Trump administration's positive outlook on psychedelic-based treatments.
Before you buy stock in AtaiBeckley, consider this:
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) fell 0.50% to 7,535, and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) fell 1.47% to 25,882. Among clinical-stage biopharmaceuticals focused on mental health and psychedelic therapeutics, COMPASS Pathways (NASDAQ:CMPS) fell 6.61% to $12.43, while broader psychedelics sentiment stayed tied to AtaiBeckley's Lilly deal.
Pharmaceutical behemoth Eli Lilly acquired AtaiBeckley in a purchase worth up to $3.8 billion today, sending the latter's shares 34% higher. The deal consists of $6.75 in cash per ATAI share, as well as $2.50 in contingent value rights (CVRs) tied to two of AtaiBeckley's treatments meeting certain milestones over the next four, five, and seven years.
Thanks to the value of these CVRs, ATAI's $7.15 share price currently sits above the $6.75 cash portion of the deal, suggesting the market sees potential in AtaiBeckley's psychedelic treatments reaching their various milestones. AtaiBeckley offers DMT and other psychedelic treatments for depression, anxiety, and opioid use disorder, and has seen its stock double over the last year thanks to today's deal and the Trump administration's positive outlook on psychedelic-based treatments.
Before you buy stock in AtaiBeckley, consider this:
1 month ago
ARS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SPRY) is one of the 10 best stocks under $10 that could triple.
On July 8, ARS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SPRY) disclosed a CEO transition, and effective July 6, the company's Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Lowenthal, will no longer be employed by the company. Donn Casale, the company's current President, has been appointed as the new CEO and Director, who will take charge from July 7 onwards.
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The company shared that Casale has over 25 years of experience, covering the biopharma segment and commercial leadership roles. He has prior experience working as the Chief Commercial Officer with Dynavax Technologies, where he played a pivotal role in scaling up the annual revenues for hepatitis B cure, HEPLISAV-B(R), to more than $300 million. He helped the vaccine achieve more than 50% market share across the U.S. market prior to the acquisition of the company by Sanofi for $2.2 billion.
Back on June 24, ARS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SPRY) shared an update on the payer access for neffy, which is an epinephrine nasal spray. Based on the latest feedback, no new coverage decisions or commercial formulary inclusions have been released for neffy during the July 1 cycle.
On July 8, ARS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SPRY) disclosed a CEO transition, and effective July 6, the company's Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Lowenthal, will no longer be employed by the company. Donn Casale, the company's current President, has been appointed as the new CEO and Director, who will take charge from July 7 onwards.
anyaivanova/Shutterstock.com
The company shared that Casale has over 25 years of experience, covering the biopharma segment and commercial leadership roles. He has prior experience working as the Chief Commercial Officer with Dynavax Technologies, where he played a pivotal role in scaling up the annual revenues for hepatitis B cure, HEPLISAV-B(R), to more than $300 million. He helped the vaccine achieve more than 50% market share across the U.S. market prior to the acquisition of the company by Sanofi for $2.2 billion.
Back on June 24, ARS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SPRY) shared an update on the payer access for neffy, which is an epinephrine nasal spray. Based on the latest feedback, no new coverage decisions or commercial formulary inclusions have been released for neffy during the July 1 cycle.
1 month ago
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CRNX) is one of the 10 affordable biotech stocks to buy right now.
On July 6, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CRNX) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced that both companies have agreed to a definitive agreement, according to which Vertex will acquire Crinetics Pharmaceuticals. The deal is priced at $85 a share in cash consideration, effectively valuing the acquisition at around $10 billion or $8.8 billion after accounting for the cash.
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The Boards of both companies approved the transaction unanimously, with completion projected for the third quarter of this year. Vertex plans to finance the acquisition through cash on hand and $4.5 billion in bridge financing from Bank of America and Morgan Stanley.
Following the announcement, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CRNX) garnered a lot of attention from **** ysts, who shared mixed opinions and revised their models based on this acquisition. On July 7, Baird increased its target price on the stock from $62 to $85, leading to an adjusted upside of more than 102%. The firm reiterated an Outperform rating on the stock.
On July 6, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CRNX) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced that both companies have agreed to a definitive agreement, according to which Vertex will acquire Crinetics Pharmaceuticals. The deal is priced at $85 a share in cash consideration, effectively valuing the acquisition at around $10 billion or $8.8 billion after accounting for the cash.
Romaset/Shutterstock.com
The Boards of both companies approved the transaction unanimously, with completion projected for the third quarter of this year. Vertex plans to finance the acquisition through cash on hand and $4.5 billion in bridge financing from Bank of America and Morgan Stanley.
Following the announcement, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CRNX) garnered a lot of attention from **** ysts, who shared mixed opinions and revised their models based on this acquisition. On July 7, Baird increased its target price on the stock from $62 to $85, leading to an adjusted upside of more than 102%. The firm reiterated an Outperform rating on the stock.