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ConsumerTotal Returns and Sector Exposure for Growth Indexes
If we dig into the S&P 500 and the S&P Growth indexes, we can see that they have the highest exposure to information technology (or IT).
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Biogen’s Biosimilars and Interferons Performed in 4Q17
In 4Q17, Biogen’s (BIIB) interferons generated revenues of $645 million, which reflected a 6% decline YoY and a 3% decline on a quarter-over-quarter basis.
Earnings ReportAnalyst Ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific before 4Q17 Results
Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) will announce its 4Q17 and fiscal 2017 results on January 31, 2018. It has launched some innovative products and entered into strategic collaborations and partnerships.
Company & Industry OverviewsAbbVie’s Rova-T: Solid Growth Driver for the Future?
AbbVie (ABBV) aims to position its investigational therapy Rova-T (rovalpituzumab tesirine) as a standard of care treatment for patients with SCLC (small cell lung cancer).
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat’s Driving Baxter International’s Cash Flow Growth
Baxter International’s 2017 cash flow Between 9M16 (the first nine months of 2016) and 9M17, Baxter International’s (BAX) cash flow rose by $514 million to $933 million, exceeding its cash flow of $905 million in fiscal 2016. In fiscal 9M17, Baxter had operating cash flow of ~$1.3 billion, up $405 million from fiscal 9M16. In fiscal 2017, Baxter expects to […]
Company & Industry OverviewsAbbVie’s Position in the Growing Oncology Market in 2018
AbbVie (ABBV) is focused on advancing its already strong position in the hematologic oncology segment in 2018.
Company & Industry OverviewsAlign Technology’s Customer Acquisition Strategy Driving Market Growth
In 3Q17, Align Technology trained nearly 1,000 doctors in China.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Edwards Lifesciences Taps the Global TAVR Opportunity
Edwards Lifesciences (EW) is the market leader in the THV (transcatheter heart valve) market space, which is estimated to be worth $3.0 billion.
Company & Industry OverviewsBD Gets Final Regulatory Approval for Bard Acquisition
On December 28, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX), or BD, received clearance for its Bard (BCR) acquisition form MOFCOM (Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China), but the approval is contingent on the divestment of BD’s soft tissue core needle biopsy product line.
Company & Industry OverviewsWall Street Analysts’ ‘Buy’ Ratings and Recommendations on TMO Stock
On December 4, 2017, Leerink Swan reiterated its “overweight” rating on TMO stock. The investment research firm has a 12-month target price of $200.00 per share on the stock.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy Argus Upgraded MDT Stock from ‘Hold’ to ‘Buy’ on December 12
On December 12, 2017, Argus Research analyst John Eade upgraded Medtronic (MDT) stock from a “hold” to a “buy.” He has a price target of $95.00 per share on the stock.
Company & Industry OverviewsMedtronic Settles Infuse Marketing Probe for $12 Million
Infuse received limited approval by the FDA in 2002. However, the off-label use of the device has become quite common.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy Boston Scientific Stock Fell 9% in Two Days
Boston Scientific (BSX) stock fell ~7.5% on November 28, 2017, triggered by the speculation of bad news.
Real InsightsCan Smart Beta Go Wrong?
The smart beta approach aims to benefit from market inefficiencies to deliver higher risk-adjusted returns and improve diversification.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Established Products Performed in 3Q17
In 3Q17, Bristol-Myers Squibb’s (BMY) Baraclude generated revenues of $264 million, a ~14% decline on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis and a 3% decline on a quarter-over-quarter basis.
Earnings ReportWhat’s the Outlook for Medtronic’s Segments in Fiscal 2018?
During the company’s 2Q18 earnings release on November 21, 2017, Medtronic (MDT) provided guidance for the full fiscal 2018.
HealthcareAllergan Stock: Performance in 3Q17
Allergan stock has fallen ~15.4% in 3Q17. It has fallen 9.8% year-to-date as of October 20, 2017.
Earnings ReportCan Boston Scientific Surpass Its Earnings Estimates in 3Q17?
BSX’s EPS estimate for 3Q17 represents YoY (year-over-year) growth in the range of 9%–16%. In 2Q17, Boston Scientific registered EPS growth of 18.5% YoY.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat’s Medtronic’s Long-Term Growth Strategy for Its Diabetes Business?
Medtronic (MDT) expects its diabetes business to witness a temporary sequential drop in revenues in 2Q18 and then return back to growth in the second half of fiscal 2018.
Company & Industry OverviewsDentsply Sirona’s Dental Sleep Medicine and a Recent Partnership
Dentsply Sirona (XRAY) and Zephyr Sleep Technologies have entered into a strategic partnership for the treatment of OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).
Company & Industry OverviewsCould Mylan’s Biosimilar Portfolio Be a Long-Term Growth Driver?
According to a Deloitte report, the biosimilars market is expected to grow to a market value of more than $445.0 billion by the end of 2019.
Company & Industry OverviewsBD Stock Fell 2.7% on September 13: Should Investors Worry?
Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) closed at $196.62 on September 13, 2017.
Company & Industry OverviewsBoston Scientific’s Updated 2017 Guidance
Boston Scientific (BSX) expects to register 2017 revenues of $8.9 billion–$9.0 billion compared to its previous guidance of $8.8 billion–$8.9 billion.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Are Orkambi and Kalydeco Positioned after 2Q17?
In 2Q17, Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ (VRTX) Orkambi generated revenues of around $324 million, which reflected a whopping ~32% growth on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis and ~10% growth on a quarter-over-quarter basis.
Company & Industry OverviewsDid June’s IT Disruption Hurt Medtronic’s Sales in Fiscal 1Q18?
On June 19, 2017, Medtronic (MDT) experienced a global technology glitch, which led to IT disruption throughout the company.
Company & Industry OverviewsDupixent and Kevzara: Regeneron’s Long-Term Growth Drivers?
In 2Q17, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals’ (REGN) Dupixent generated revenues of $28.6 million.
Company & Industry OverviewsHeadwind for Becton Dickinson: US Dispensing Business
Becton Dickinson (BDX) is the leading player in the US dispensing business. Its Pyxis system sales contribute significantly to the company’s total revenues.
Earnings ReportWill Medtronic Meet Analysts’ Earnings Estimates in Fiscal 1Q18?
For the last several quarters, Medtronic has consistently exceeded analysts’ earnings estimates.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Varian Is Harnessing Proton Therapy Market Opportunities
Proton therapy market opportunities The proton therapy market is a highly lucrative opportunity area for Varian Medical Systems (VAR). Proton therapy uses protons for treating cancer instead of X-rays. According to a Medgadget report, the global proton therapy market is expected to double by the year 2022. Though the United States has the biggest proton […]
ConsumerMichael Kors Beats 1Q18 Expectations, Raises Guidance
For fiscal 1Q18, Kors’s EPS came in at $0.90, or $0.28 higher than the estimate. Its revenue fell 3.6% YoY to $952 million but still beat the consensus estimate.
Company & Industry OverviewsCelgene’s Otezla Witnessed High Revenue Growth in 2Q17
In 2Q17, Celgene’s (CELG) Otezla generated revenues of around $358 million, which reflected ~49% growth on a year-over-year basis.
Consumer1Q18: Will Michael Kors Post another Weak Quarter?
Michael Kors Holdings Limited (KORS) is slated to report its 1Q18) earnings results on Tuesday, August 8. Here’s what you need to know.
Company & Industry OverviewsEdwards Lifesciences Focuses on Indication Expansion of SAPIEN 3 in 2017
To further expand the label of its transcatheter heart valve (or THV), SAPIEN 3, Edwards Lifesciences (EW) is currently involved in enrolling patients in its EARLY-TAVR trial.
Company & Industry OverviewsTMO’s Oncomine Target Test Launch Will Boost This Business
On June 27, 2017, Thermo Fisher Scientific announced the launch of its Oncomine Dx Target Test.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy Orencia Could Be Just What BMY Needs in 2017
In 2016, Bristol-Myer Squibb’s (BMY) Orencia reported revenues of around $2.3 billion, which represents a ~20% YoY rise.
Company & Industry OverviewsBiogen’s Interferon Therapies Could Witness Modest Fall in 2017
In 2016, Biogen’s (BIIB) interferon therapies, Avonex and Plegridy, together reported revenues of around $2.8 billion, which reflected a drop of ~6% on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis.
Company & Industry OverviewsInside Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Clinical Pipeline
In March 2017, Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) announced promising results from two phase-3 clinical trials, Evolve and Expand.
Company & Industry OverviewsOtezla Could Significantly Drive Celgene’s Revenue Growth
In 2016, Celgene’s (CELG) Otezla generated revenues of around $1.0 billion, a 116% year-over-year (or YoY) increase.
Company & Industry OverviewsDupixent May Be a Major Growth Driver for Regeneron in 2017
After Dupixent’s commercial launch, Regeneron has been involved in creating awareness for the drug among physicians who have been treating AD patients.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Stryker Plans to Capture the International Markets
Most of Stryker’s emerging market sales are from China. However, Europe and emerging markets sales have witnessed high growth in recent quarters.
Company & Industry OverviewsHumira May Continue to Drive AbbVie’s Revenue Growth
In 2016, AbbVie’s (ABBV) drug Humira reported revenue of ~$16.0 billion, which reflected a ~15% year-over-year (or YoY) rise.
Real InsightsNew Kid in Town: Introducing TETF
Although the ETF industry posted stellar growth, no one thought of issuing an ETF dedicated to ETF providers. The gap was filled by TETF in April 2017.
Company & Industry OverviewsAnalysts’ Views on Alexion Pharmaceuticals and Its Peers
Of the 21 analysts analyzing Alexion Pharmaceuticals, six analysts recommended a “strong buy” and 11 analysts recommended a “buy.”
MiscellaneousHow Do Starbucks’s Valuation Multiples Compare to Peers?
As of May 26, 2017, Starbucks was trading at a forward PE multiple of 27.4x compared to 26.5x before the announcement of fiscal 2Q17 earnings.
MiscellaneousComparing Dividend Yields for SLB, HAL, and NOV
On May 23, 2017, National Oilwell Varco’s (NOV) dividend yield increased to 0.57% from ~0.50% by the end of 1Q17.
Company & Industry OverviewsKyprolis Could Significantly Drive Amgen’s Revenue Growth in 2017
Amgen’s (AMGN) Kyprolis has gained considerable market share in second-line multiple myeloma (or MM) indication since its launch in 2012.
Company & Industry OverviewsInside Zoetis’s Growth Strategy in 2017
In 1Q17, Zoetis (ZTS) managed to earn $615 million as revenues from international markets, which represents a YoY growth of around 8%.
Company & Industry OverviewsALXN1210 Is Expected to Boost Alexion Pharmaceuticals’ Revenue
Alexion Pharmaceuticals has planned five clinical trials in 2017 to test the potential of investigational next-generation C5 antibody, ALXN1210, as a treatment option for complement-mediated diseases.
Earnings ReportAbbVie Is Focused on Label Expansion of Imbruvica in 2017
On April 4, 2017, AbbVie announced that the FDA had accepted for review the company’s application seeking approval for Imbruvica as a treatment option for patients suffering from cGVHD.
Earnings ReportWhat Are Stryker’s Key Growth Drivers for 2Q17?
Stryker has registered strong revenues and earnings in the last few quarters.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Amgen’s Kyprolis Is Positioned in Second-Line Multiple Myeloma Segment
In 2016, Kyprolis’s sales totaled ~$692 million, which is a year-over-year rise of ~35.2%.
Company & Industry OverviewsComparing the Dividend Yields of SLB, HAL, BHI, and NOV
Schlumberger’s (SLB) quarterly dividend per share (or DPS) remained the same from 4Q15 to 4Q16. SLB’s annualized DPS is $2.00.
Company & Industry OverviewsGilead Sciences Plans to Diversify into the Oncology Sector
Gilead Sciences (GILD) is also investigating investigational therapy, entospletinib, as a treatment option for acute myeloid leukemia (or AML) as well as Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (or DLBCL).
Company & Industry OverviewsCelgene to File NDA for Ozanimod as Multiple Sclerosis Therapy
If ozanimod captures a significant share in the evolving multiple sclerosis market, it may have a positive impact on Celgene stock.
Company & Industry OverviewsBD’s Medical Segment Performance and Growth Strategy
The BD Medical business generated revenues of ~$8.7 billion in fiscal 2016, which ended September 30, 2016.
Company & Industry OverviewsBristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo May See Strong Demand in 2016
In 3Q16, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) secured reimbursement for Opdivo in Sweden and Denmark. After its commercial launch, Opdivo also witnessed solid uptake in France and Germany.
Company & Industry OverviewsNevro Lawsuit against BSX Could Impact Its Neuromodulation Revenues
On November 29, 2016, Nevro Corp. (NVRO) filed a lawsuit against Boston Scientific, claiming patent infringement on its patents for Senza and HF10 spinal cord stimulation therapies for chronic back pain.
Earnings ReportHow Did Mallinckrodt’s Specialty Brands Perform in 2016?
Specialty Brands had a 69% in Mallinckrodt’s total revenue in 2016, while Specialty Generics had a 31% share.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Is Thermo Fisher Scientific Accelerating Growth?
Thermo Fisher Scientific’s business consists of four complementary businesses: Analytical Instruments, Specialty Diagnostics, Life Science Solutions, and Laboratory Products and Services.
Company & Industry OverviewsAcute Myeloid Leukemia: Growth Opportuny for AbbVie’s Venclexta?
AbbVie’s (ABBV) Venclexta has been granted FDA breakthrough therapy designation as a first line therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia who are ineligible for high-dose chemotherapy.
Company & Industry OverviewsAbbVie Is Focused on Growth Opportunities in Neuroscience Space
To diversify its product portfolio, AbbVie (ABBV) has been focusing on patients with neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Company & Industry OverviewsElagolix May Become a Strong Growth Driver for AbbVie
On October 19, 2016, AbbVie (ABBV) and Neurocrine Biosciences (NBIX) announced positive results from two phase 3 clinical trials at the 72nd American Society for Reproductive Medicine Scientific Congress & Expo.
Company & Industry OverviewsIs the OFS Industry Geographically Diversified?
Since crude oil price weakness hit drilling activity hard in 2014, OFS companies have actively been looking to diversify out of the United States.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy Is Lung Cancer so Attractive to Bristol, Merck, and Roche?
Bristol-Myers Squibb’s (BMY) Opdivo’s will now share the second-line lung cancer therapy market with Roche’s Tecentriq, along with Merck’s Keytruda.
Company & Industry OverviewsBrace Yourself: AstraZeneca Could Be a Fourth Entrant into the PD-1/PD-L1 Drug Class
The PD-1 (programmed death-1)/PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) class consists of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo, Merck’s Keytruda, and Roche’s Tecentriq.
Company & Industry OverviewsBernstein on the Opportunity Cost of Underweighing Equities
In his November 2016 Insights newsletter, Richard Bernstein talked about the growing opportunity cost of investing in equities (SPHD) (VIG).
Macroeconomic AnalysisHow the Next President Could Shape US Monetary Policy
The Federal Reserve’s second last meeting of 2016 is now over, leaving only one meeting left in which the central bank can enact a rate hike.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat’s Fueling the Bull Run? Richard Bernstein Explains
A bull run with legs In Richard Bernstein Advisors’ October Insights newsletter, after dismissing the belief that the Federal Reserve is to blame for stock price inflation (IWD) (VTV), Richard Bernstein moved on to explain the reason for the current bull run. Stating that “fundamentals have improved dramatically, and have been a major support to the […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhy Were Fed Policymakers Worried about Clear Communication?
The credibility of the Federal Reserve was a concern raised by some policymakers at the September FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting.
Company & Industry OverviewsIn Depth Review of Gilead Sciences’ NASH Pipeline Opportunities
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (or NASH) doesn’t have any existing approved treatments on the market, but a number of companies are vying for a share of the untapped market.
Company & Industry OverviewsEdwards Lifesciences Capitalizes on Valve Replacement Market
Edwards Lifesciences (EW) is the largest player in the TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) market.
Company & Industry OverviewsHernia Repair Should Drive Significant Growth for Intuitive Surgical
The benefits of robotic-assisted ventral hernia repair surgery were substantiated by study results released by Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) in early August 2016.
Company & Industry OverviewsRecommended Reading: Bernstein’s ‘Charts for the Beach’
According to Richard Bernstein, the five charts in the recent edition of his newsletter are “five of our favorite charts that highlight what we think consensus is currently missing.”
Company & Industry OverviewsDelving into BSX’s Category Leadership Growth Strategy
While many companies are moving toward fee-for-service models and bundled payment structures, BSX is advancing through its category leadership strategy.
Company & Industry OverviewsCelgene Continues to Develop Its Hematologic Oncology Pipeline
In addition to research programs targeted at expansions for its existing drugs, Celgene is also involved in advancing its new drug research pipeline.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Related Is CLB’s Share Price to Crude Oil Prices and Production?
From September 2011 to August 2016, US crude production has risen by 46% to ~8.5 million barrels per day. Production reached a multiyear high in June 2015.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat Are the Dividends and Dividend Yields for SLB, HAL, and BHI?
Schlumberger’s (SLB) dividend yield is the highest among our set of oilfield equipment and services (or OFS) companies.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy Did Jazz Fall after Celator Acquisition Announcement?
Following Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ announcement of its acquisition of Celator, Jazz stock fell marginally. A higher premium for Celator might be one of the reasons for the fall.
Earnings ReportRegeneron’s Dupilumab: How Much Potential Does It Hold?
Dupilumab has a breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA for the indication of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults.
Company & Industry OverviewsCan Thermo Fisher Scientific Continue to Exceed Performance Expectations?
Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) reported revenues of $4.3 billion in 1Q16, which represents a YoY (year-over-year) increase of ~10%.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Is Varian Positioned in the Particle Therapy Business?
Varian Medical Systems (VAR) had gross orders value of $310 million in 2015.
Company & Industry OverviewsCould Rova-T Become AbbVie’s Blockbuster Therapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer?
With only one approved drug as a second-line therapy for SCLC (and no approved third-line treatment) AbbVie expects Rova-T to reach a high unmet demand.
Company & Industry OverviewsFleet of Foot? Foot Locker’s Fastest-Growing Sales Segments
In fiscal 2016, Foot Locker made $5.3 billion in US sales, representing 71.6% of its total revenue. In contrast, international revenue came in at $2.1 billion.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy Is the PE Ratio Important to a Bull Market?
An assessment of a bull market isn’t complete without looking at the companies’ PE ratios. Generally, the ratio rises during a bull market.
Company & Industry OverviewsIntroducing Dentsply Sirona, a Leading Dental Products Manufacturer
Dentsply Sirona (XRAY) is the largest manufacturer of dental equipment and technologies in the world. The company was formed in February 2016.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Has Intuitive Surgical’s Stock Price Been Performing?
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) was trading at $621.4 as of May 17, 2016. It has a 50-day moving average of $623.9 and a 200-day moving average of $562.8.
Company & Industry OverviewsExploring Intuitive Surgical’s Sales Model
Intuitive Surgical follows a diversified sales strategy and doesn’t generate more than 10% of its revenue through any one customer.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy Repatha Could Be One of Amgen’s Largest Opportunities for 2016
Despite Repatha’s slower-than-expected uptake after its launch in 2015, Amgen (AMGN) is confident of the drug’s future commercial prospects.
Earnings ReportCould Medivation’s Xtandi Become a Major Urology Drug?
Although Medivation’s (MDVN) Xtandi is a leader in the oncology space, it has significant opportunity in the urology space as well.
Earnings ReportHow Mallinckrodt’s Specialty Brands Performed in 2Q16
Mallinckrodt’s Specialty Brands segment earned $535 million during fiscal 2Q16 and includes Acthar, the lead drug, as well as other drugs.
Company & Industry OverviewsUnderstanding Gilead Sciences’ HIV Expansion across Geographies
In addition to the US market, Gilead Sciences also launched its TAF-based HIV drugs, Genvoya and Descovy in European markets in 2016.
Earnings ReportHow Did AbbVie Perform in 1Q16?
AbbVie posted its 1Q16 earnings on April 28, 2016. The company registered diluted EPS (earnings per share) attributable to common shareholders of $1.15.
Earnings ReportHow Did Edwards Lifesciences’ Critical Care Segment Fare in 1Q16?
Edwards Lifesciences (EW) reported ~$697 million in total revenue in 1Q16. Of that, ~$134 million was contributed by the company’s Critical Care segment.
Earnings ReportVertex: A Cystic Fibrosis Portfolio Driven Company
Currently, Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) is thoroughly a CF (cystic fibrosis) oriented drug company, with two commercialized products in its arsenal.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Is Baxalta Leading the Hematology Space?
Baxalta’s (BXLT) hematology segment includes hemophilia and inhibitor therapies.
Earnings ReportWhy Do Analysts Recommend a ‘Hold’ for McDonald’s?
On April 22, 2016, McDonald’s (MCD), which forms 1.3% of the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG), was trading at $125.5.
Earnings ReportBiogen’s Hemophilia Drugs Continue to Capture Market Share in 1Q16
Biogen’s hemophilia drugs, Alprolix and Eloctate, continued to capture market share in 1Q16.
ConsumerWhy Under Armour’s Footwear Sales Growth Is Accelerating
Under Armour’s (UA) footwear business registered an impressive 64.2% growth (VUG) rate in 1Q16 versus 1Q15. Footwear sales came in at $264 million in the quarter.
Company & Industry OverviewsDefitelio: Volume and Pricing Challenges
Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ Defitelio is the first and only approved treatment that increases survival in VOD patients with multi-organ dysfunction (or MOD).
Company & Industry OverviewsA Look at Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ Sleep and Hematology Pipeline
Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ (JAZZ) drug pipeline can be divided into the sleep area and the hematology and oncology area.