Sanofi, a healthcare company, engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of therapeutic solutions in the United States, Europe, and internationally. It operates through Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare segments. The company provides specialty care, such as DUPIXENT, neurology and immunology, rare diseases, oncology, and rare blood disorders; medicines for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases; and established prescription products. In addition, it offers poliomyelitis, pertussis, and hib pediatric vaccines; influenza, booster, meningitis, and travel and endemic vaccines, which includes hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, and rabies vaccines. The company also provides cough, cold, and flu, allergy, and pain care products, as well as physical, mental, and digestive wellness products; and offers products for itching, hydration, aging, cracking, overnight, and specialty skincare needs like eczema. Further, it has a collaboration and license agreement with Exscientia to develop up to 15 novel small-molecule for oncology and immunology; ABL Bio, Inc. to develop ABL301, a treatment for alpha-synucleinopathies; Blackstone Life Sciences to develop pivotal studies and clinical development program; and Seagen Inc. to design, develop, and commercialize antibody-drug conjugates for cancer. Additionally, the company has a collaboration agreement with IGM Biosciences, Inc. to develop, manufacture, and commercialize IgM antibody; Skyhawk Therapeutics, Inc to discover and develop novel small molecules; and Adagene Inc., for the discovery and development of antibody-based therapies. It also has collaborations with Scribe Therapeutics Inc. to develop genome editing technologies; and co-promotion service agreement with Provention Bio, Inc. for the commercialization of teplizumab. The company was formerly known as Sanofi-Aventis and changed its name to Sanofi in May 2011. Sanofi was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Paris, France.

Sanofi демонстрирует интересные фундаментальные метрики, которые требуют внимательного анализа. P/E мультипликатор составляет 11.16, что значительно ниже медианы отрасли, что может указывать на недооцененность акций. Однако, наблюдается ухудшение ROE, который составляет 16.55 и ниже медианы, что может вызывать опасения относительно рентабельности. Долговая нагрузка компании низкая, с debt/equity на уровне 0.19, что является положительным фактором. Дивидендная доходность растет и на данный момент составляет 4.40%, что также создает привлекательность для инвесторов. Выручка компании значительно выше медианы отрасли, что указывает на сильные позиции на рынке. Однако, некоторые показатели, такие как P/FCF, находятся на высоком уровне, что может указывать на возможную переоцененность. В целом, несмотря на некоторые слабые стороны, компания выглядит достойной для инвестирования с потенциалом для роста, но необходимо учитывать и риски, связанные с изменением ROE и долговой нагрузкой.

Sanofi

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. REGN reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $9.47, which comfortably beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.52 and was up from $8.22 recorded in the year-ago quarter.
The strong bottom-line performance was driven by higher revenues and a reduced share count.
Total revenues grew 19% year over year to $3.6 billion, driven by higher sales of Eylea HD and increased Dupixent profits.
Revenues also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.4 billion.
However, shares are trading lower despite the outperformance due to a year-over-year decline in GAAP earnings.
Regeneron’s shares have lost 5.2% so far this year compared with the industry’s decline of 1.5%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Eylea HD and Dupiexent Power REGN’s Q1 Results
The lead drug, Eylea, is approved for various ophthalmology indications (neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema and macular edema, among others).
Eylea’s sales in the United States plunged 36% year over year to $473 million, primarily due to increased competition from other drugs like Roche’s RHHBY Vabysmo and continued transition of patients to higher doses of the drug (Eylea HD). Eylea sales in the United States beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $436 million.
Please note that Regeneron co-developed Eylea with the HealthCare unit of Bayer AG BAYRY. Regeneron records net product sales of Eylea and Eylea HD in the United States and Bayer does the same outside the country. The company records its share of profits in connection with Eylea and Eylea HD sales outside the United States within collaboration revenues.
In August 2023, the FDA approved Eylea HD (a higher dose of Eylea) for the treatment of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy.
Eylea HD generated revenues of $468 million in the United States, up 52% year over year, backed by higher sales volumes driven by increased demand. However, sales were negatively impacted by lower wholesaler inventory levels at the end of the first quarter of 2026 compared to the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. Eylea HD sales beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.12%.
Total revenues include collaboration revenues of $1.9 billion from Sanofi SNY and Bayer. The figure increased 24% from that recorded in the year-ago quarter. Total collaboration revenues beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.86 billion.
Sanofi’s collaboration revenues increased 36% to $1.6 billion, driven by profits associated with higher Dupixent sales. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.5 billion. We note that Sanofi records global net product sales of Dupixent and Kevzara, while Regeneron records its share of profits/losses in connection with the global sales of both drugs within collaboration revenues. Dupixent’s sales increased 33% year over year to $4.9 billion.
Bayer’s collaboration revenues totaled $287 million, down 17% year over year.
Regeneron records net product sales of Praluent in the United States and Sanofi does the same outside the country. SNY pays REGN a royalty on such sales. Regeneron records global net product sales of Libtayo and pays Sanofi a royalty on such sales.
Total Libtayo sales were $438 million, up 54% year over year. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $361 million.
Praluent’s net sales in the United States were $67 million.
The FDA had earlier approved linvoseltamab-gcpt for the treatment of relapsed or refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma (MM). The drug was granted accelerated approval by the FDA under the brand name Lynozyfic. It is also approved in the EU to treat adults with R/R MM after at least three prior therapies, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.
Lynozyfic sales came in at $11 million.
A Look at REGN’s Q1 Expense Summary
Gross margin on net product sales inched up to 86% from 85%.
Adjusted R&D expenses increased 19% year over year to $1.4 billion due to the advancement of the company's pipeline, including programs in hematology-oncology, complement-mediated diseases and anticoagulation. Adjusted SG&A expenses increased 4% to $560 million due to an increase in commercialization-related expenses for Eylea HD and Libtayo and higher headcount and headcount-related costs.
During the first quarter of 2026, the company repurchased $803 million worth of its common stock. As of March 31, 2026, $688 million remained available under its existing share repurchase programs.
In April 2026, the board authorized a new program allowing for up to an additional $3.0 billion in share buybacks.
REGN’s Key Pipeline and Regulatory Updates
In April 2026, the FDA and European Commission approved Dupixent for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in children aged two to 11 years who remain symptomatic despite antihistamine treatment. This expands the previous approvals in the United States and EU for CSU in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older.
In February 2026, the FDA approved Dupixent as the first and only medicine for the treatment of adults and children aged six years and older with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.
In April 2026, the FDA approved extending Eylea HD dosing intervals up to 20 weeks for wAMD and DME patients after one year of sustained response, further enhancing its dosing flexibility among anti-VEGF therapies.
The company also resubmitted its application for the Eylea HD pre-filled syringe (PFS) at Catalent’s Indiana site following a re-inspection. A decision on a second PFS manufacturing application was not made by the April 2026 target action date and remains under review. REGN expects a regulatory update on one or both applications in the second quarter of 2026.
The FDA recently granted accelerated approval to Otarmeni (lunsotogene parvec, formerly DB-OTO), the first gene therapy cleared under the FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher Program. The adeno-associated virus-based treatment is indicated for pediatric and adult patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss caused by OTOF gene variants.
The company submitted a new drug application seeking FDA approval of cemdisiran in myasthenia gravis using a rare pediatric disease priority review voucher.
Our Take on REGN’s Q1 Performance
Regeneron’s first-quarter performance was encouraging, with overall revenues rising despite continued declines in sales of its flagship product, Eylea. This performance underscores the resilience and breadth of the company’s diversified portfolio.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Quote
However, Eylea sales remain under pressure amid intensifying competition from Roche’s Vabysmo, which has seen strong and rapid uptake. Vabysmo was designed to inhibit both Ang-2 and VEGF-A pathways, offering a differentiated mechanism that has resonated with physicians.
Regeneron is actively strengthening its oncology portfolio as well to further diversify its revenue base. The company’s oncology franchise recently gained momentum following the label expansion of Libtayo, helping offset headwinds in the ophthalmology segment.
REGN’s Zacks Rank
Regeneron currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days
Just released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."
Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.9% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention.
See them now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Regeneron Q1 Earnings Top, Sales Up on Dupixent & Eylea HD Strength

AstraZeneca AZN reported first-quarter 2026 core earnings of $2.58 per share, which marginally beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.57. The bottom line rose 4% year over year on a reported basis and 5% at constant exchange rate (CER).
Total revenues of $15.29 billion rose 13% on a reported basis and 8% at CER, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $14.96 billion.
All growth rates mentioned below are on a year-over-year basis and at CER.
AZN shares began trading on the NYSE on Feb. 2. Earlier, in the United States, investors traded AstraZeneca through a different structure called American Depositary Shares (ADS) on Nasdaq.
AZN’s Product Sales & Alliance Revenues
Product sales increased 7% to $14.39 billion.
Alliance revenues rose 26% to $825 million, driven by continued revenue growth from partnered medicines. Alliance revenues include royalties and profit share from partnered medicines, such as Enhertu and Tezspire, in geographies where its partner books product sales.
AstraZeneca’s Key Oncology Drugs Drive Growth
Here, we have discussed AstraZeneca’s total drug revenues by including Alliance and Collaboration revenues in each revenue figure.
In Oncology, Tagrisso recorded revenues of $1.83 billion, up 5% year over year, driven by strong demand across all indications and regions, partly offset by tender outcomes and phasing in Emerging Markets, and seasonal variability in Japan ahead of fiscal year-end. Tagrisso sales missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.86 billion.
Lynparza's total revenues rose 2% to $781 million, driven by increased market share/demand growth for all approved indications and continued uptake in breast and prostate cancers across Europe. The growth was partially offset by the impact of generic launches in China and by VBP-associated stock compensation costs. The drug’s sales, however, beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $755 million.
AstraZeneca markets Lynparza in partnership with Merck MRK. During the quarter, the company did not record any milestone payment from partner Merck related to the drug.
Imfinzi generated sales of $1.69 billion in the quarter, up 30%, driven by strong demand growth across all regions from existing indications and new launches. Imfinzi sales, however, missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.79 billion. Sales of Calquence rose 17% to $923 million in the quarter. New breast cancer drug Truqap recorded $198 million in revenues in the first quarter of 2026, up 47% year over year on achieving peak share in second-line biomarker-altered metastatic breast cancer.
Newly approved drug Datroway, for which it has a partnership with Daiichi Sankyo, recorded revenues of $43 million in the quarter compared with $40 million in the previous quarter.
Year to date, the stock has risen 1.5% against the industry’s 1.6% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AZN’s CVRM Segment Performance
In CVRM, Farxiga recorded product sales of $2.24 billion, down 3%, despite continued demand growth across chronic kidney disease and heart failure indications and SGLT2 class growth. However, sales were affected by generic competition in some markets like China, Japan and the United Kingdom and the VBP impact in China. Farxiga sales, however, beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.08 billion.
Brilinta/Brilique sales totaled $105 million in the reported quarter, down 67%, due to the generic launch in Europe and the United States.
Wainua recorded $51 million in product sales during the quarter, up 28% year over year, driven by strong demand growth in transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy.
AZN’s R&I Segment Performance
In R&I, Symbicort sales declined 1% to $747 million as demand for an authorized generic was offset by price pressures in the United States and generic erosion in Europe. The drug’s sales, however, beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $734 million.
Fasenra recorded sales of $483 million in the quarter, up 11% year over year, driven by strong demand growth and market share gains. The recent launch for the EGPA indication also benefited sales in some countries. The drug’s sales beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $478 million.
Breztri recorded sales of $353 million, up 13% year over year, driven by a consistent share increase in a growing market.
Pulmicort sales declined 11% to $149 million due to continued generic competition in Emerging Markets.
New product Airsupra generated $37 million in product sales in the quarter, up 31% year over year. The product’s U.S. launch momentum remains strong.
New lupus drug, Saphnelo, recorded sales of $171 million, up 24% year over year, driven by demand growth in the U.S. market and ongoing launches in Europe and Established RoW.
Tezspire recorded total revenues of $303 million, up 34% year over year, driven by demand growth and launch uptake in multiple markets. AstraZeneca has a partnership with Amgen AMGN for Tezspire. Amgen records product sales in the United States, and AstraZeneca records its share of U.S. gross profits as Alliance revenues. AstraZeneca books product sales in markets outside the United States.
AstraZeneca PLC Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
AZN’s Rare Disease, V&I and Other Segment
In the Rare Disease portfolio, Soliris sales fell 14% to $389 million due to conversion to Ultomiris and biosimilar erosion in Europe and the United States.
Ultomiris revenues amounted to $1.27 billion, up 18%, driven by demand growth across indications, geographic expansions in new markets and continued conversion from Soliris.
In Other Medicines, sales of Nexium declined 9% to $253 million.
In V&I Therapies, AstraZeneca recorded $116 million in revenues from Beyfortus, including alliance revenues received from partner Sanofi SNY and sales of the manufactured Beyfortus product to Sanofi. Revenues increased 3% year over year.
AZN Reiterates 2026 Guidance
AstraZeneca reconfirmed its financial guidance for 2026.
It continues to expect total revenues to grow by a mid-to-high single-digit percentage at CER.
Core EPS is expected to increase by a low double-digit percentage at CER.
AZN’s Zacks Rank
Currently, AstraZeneca has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days
Just released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."
Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.9% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention.
See them now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

AZN Q1 Earnings and Sales Beat, Key Drugs Offset Generic Pressure

Monday, April 27, 2026
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Intel Corp. (INTC) and Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT), as well as two micro-cap stocks Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. (PPIH). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Ahead of Wall Street
The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.
You can read today's AWS here >>> Pre-Markets Sluggish Ahead of a Busy Week
Today's Featured Research Reports
Amazon’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Internet - Commerce industry over the past six months (+15.2% vs. +4.1%). The company’s international expansion and diversification across e-commerce, AWS cloud services, advertising, and streaming create multiple revenue streams while reducing concentration risk.
For 1Q’26, Amazon guided revenue of $173.5-$178.5 billion and operating income of $16.5-$21.5 billion, with a $1 billion year-over-year cost increase from Amazon LEO satellites. AI integration across operations enhances personalization, logistics, and AWS offerings, strengthening competitive positioning.
However, substantial capital expenditure requirements for AI infrastructure and data centers strain financial resources and compress margins. The company’s expanding debt burden reduces financial flexibility amid rising interest rates. Intensifying competition from Walmart, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud is an overhang.
(You can read the full research report on Amazon here >>>)
Shares of Intel have outperformed the Zacks Semiconductor - General industry over the past six months (+102.7% vs. +9.1%). The company reported strong first-quarter 2026 results, with both adjusted earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Its AI solutions will benefit the semiconductor ecosystem by reducing costs, improving performance, and enabling a scalable, open AI environment. Intel Xeon 6 CPUs will power Google’s Cloud data centers for ML workloads and fast-response applications.
Intel is also expanding into the rapidly growing Edge AI landscape with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, which offer significantly better large language model performance, video analytics, and higher throughput on vision language action models.
However, intensifying competition from AMD in the PC market is hindering growth. High debt levels remain a concern. Latent U.S.-China geopolitical tensions and the war in the Middle East are likely to impact prospects.
(You can read the full research report on Intel here >>>)
Applied Materials’ shares have outperformed the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry over the past six months (+80.5% vs. +27.1%). The company is benefiting from strength in the Semiconductor Systems, owing to a rebound in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the foundry and logic space.
Consistent progress in the services is aiding Applied Global Services’ performance. Solid momentum in the subscription and display businesses is a plus. Its strength in IoT, Communications, Auto, Power and Sensors (ICAPS) is likely to continue aiding its position in the semiconductor industry. Its diversified portfolio remains its key growth driver.
However, increasing U.S.-China tensions and export restrictions on semiconductor manufacturing equipment may undermine its near-term growth prospects. Rising operating costs and intense competition remain other major concerns.
(You can read the full research report on Applied Materials here >>>)
Shares of Perma-Pipe International have outperformed the Zacks Steel - Pipe and Tube industry over the past year (+155.4% vs. +91.5%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $260.76 million delivered strong, volume-driven earnings growth in FY25, with revenue rising to $210.9 million and net income nearly doubling. Growth prospects are strengthening with increasing exposure to AI-driven data center infrastructure, adding a structurally growing and less cyclical end market alongside its core energy and district heating business.
Perma-Pipe International’s diversified global footprint (70%+ international revenues) continues to support project wins across the Middle East, North America, and Canada, enabling steady execution across multiple infrastructure cycles. Liquidity has improved, supported by higher cash, working capital expansion, and refinancing.
However, key risks include internal control weaknesses and reliance on cost-to-complete accounting, which may affect earnings quality. A backlog decline could indicate some moderation in future growth. Valuation remains attractive relative to peers.
(You can read the full research report on Perma-Pipe International here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Sanofi (SNY), Ciena Corp. (CIEN) and Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI).
Mark Vickery
Senior Edtior
Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Dupixent to Remain Sanofi's (SNY) Key Top-Line Driver
The Zacks analyst expects Dupixent to remain Sanofi's key top-line driver as it enjoys strong demand. Competitive pressure on influenza vaccines and regular pipeline setbacks are key headwinds
Strong LNG Demand and Contracted Projects to Aid Kinder Morgan (KMI)
Per the Zacks analyst, Kinder Morgan to benefit from robust LNG demand and contracted projects. However, reliance on gas markets and approval risks may restrict future growth flexibility.
Accelerating Non-Trading Revenue Base Aids Nasdaq (NDAQ)
Per the Zacks analyst, Nasdaq is set to grow on its focus toward Market Technology and Information Services businesses. However, increasing expenses weighing on margin expansion is likely a concern.
Multi-year Contracts Aid Booz Allen (BAH), Competition High
Per the Zacks analyst, Booz Allen benefits from multi-year contracts that generate a steady revenue stream and lower the company's exposure to market volatility. Rising competition is an overhang.
Stable Assets, Strong Free Cash Flow Aid CNX Resources (CNX)
Per the Zacks analyst CNX Resources will benefit from strong production from Marcellus and Utica shales assets. Free cash flow generated in 24 consecutive quarters allowed it to reduce debt.
Partnership With PowerCo Aids QuantumScape (QS) Amid Rising Capex
Per the Zacks analyst, the collaboration with Volkswagen's PowerCo strengthens QuantumScape's commercialization outlook. However, rising capital requirements remain a concern.
Strength in the SMB-led Lending, Rising Revenue Aid Enova (ENVA)
Per the Zacks analyst, strength in the SMB-led lending and rising revenue base, given robust origination and the pending buyout of Grasshopper Bancorp, will continue to support Enova's financials.
New Upgrades
Ciena (CIEN) Rides on Momentum in Cloud and AI Solutions
Per the Zacks analyst, the rise of cloud and AI technologies has increased bandwidth requirements across global networks, thereby boosting demand for Ciena's solutions.
V.F. Corp (VFC) Benefits From Its Reinvent Transformation Program
Per Zacks analyst, V.F. Corp gains from Reinvent program, which focuses on operational discipline, brands and growth. Operational synergies position VFC to capitalize on consumers' growing emphasis.
Universal Insurance Set to Grow on Prudent Underwriting
Per the Zacks analyst, Universal Insurance is set to grow on strong retention, selective market positioning, and policy growth. Disciplined underwriting and early reinsurance placement add to upside.
New Downgrades
G-III Apparel (GIII) Hit by Tariffs, Weak Wholesale Demand
Per the Zacks analyst, higher tariffs are pressuring G-III's costs, contributing to a 250-bps year-over-year decline in Q4 gross margin, while softness in the wholesale segment remains a key concern.
Baxter (BAX) Faces Margin Pressure Despite Core Business Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, Baxter is facing margin pressure in Pharma and Front Line Care segments amid rising costs and tariffs. However, core business continues to support top-line growth.
Weak Demand and High Costs Hurt Mohawk (MHK) Performance
Per the Zacks analyst, soft residential remodeling demand, low housing turnover and weaker consumer sentiment have been hurting Mohawk. Also, uncertain macro environment and high costs are a headwind.
Radical New Technology Could Hand Investors Huge Gains
Quantum Computing is the next technological revolution, and it could be even more advanced than AI.
While some believed the technology was years away, it is already present and moving fast. Large hyperscalers, such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, and even Meta and Tesla, are scrambling to integrate quantum computing into their infrastructure.
Senior Stock Strategist Kevin Cook reveals 7 carefully selected stocks poised to dominate the quantum computing landscape in his report, Beyond AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Power.
Kevin was among the early experts who recognized NVIDIA's enormous potential back in 2016. Now, he has keyed in on what could be "the next big thing" in quantum computing supremacy. Today, you have a rare chance to position your portfolio at the forefront of this opportunity.
See Top Quantum Stocks Now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Top Analyst Reports for Amazon, Intel & Applied Materials

Investors will focus on profits from asthma drug Dupixent and sales of Eylea HD when biotech giant Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. REGN reports first-quarter 2026 results on April 29, 2026.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter sales and earnings is pegged at $3.41 billion and $8.36 per share, respectively.
REGN’s Earnings Surprise History
The company’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed the same in the other one, delivering an average surprise of 22.92%. In the last reported quarter, REGN beat on earnings by 8.33%.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Quote
What Our Model Predicts for REGN
Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for Regeneron this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. This is the case here, as you will see below.
Earnings ESP: Earnings ESP for REGN is +5.87% as the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $10.56 per share, while the Most Accurate Estimate is pinned at $10.65. You can uncover the best stocks before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Zacks Rank: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank of 3.
Dupixent Profits Likely to Have Offset Eylea Decline in Q1
A significant chunk of Regeneron’s revenues used to come from the sale of its lead drug, Eylea, which is approved for various ophthalmology indications (neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema and macular edema, among others). Eylea was developed in collaboration with pharma giant Bayer.
While Regeneron records net product sales of Eylea in the United States, Bayer does the same outside the country. The company also records its share of profits/losses in connection with Eylea sales outside the country.
However, Eylea’s sales have been under pressure in recent quarters due to competition from Vabysmo. Sales are likely to have declined in the first quarter as well.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Eylea sales in the United States is currently pegged at $436 million.
To counter the decline in Eylea sales, Regeneron developed a higher dose of the drug. The initial uptake of Eylea HD has been strong as Eylea patients transition to the higher dose.
Sales of Eylea HD are likely to have surged in the to-be-reported quarter on strong demand. This, in turn, is likely to have resulted in an increase in total Eylea franchise sales. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Eylea HD sales in the United States is currently pegged at $468 million.
In November 2025, the FDA approved Eylea HD injection 8 mg for the treatment of patients with macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO) with up to every eight-week dosing after an initial monthly dosing period.
The regulatory body also approved a monthly dosing option for some patients who may benefit from resuming this dosing schedule across approved indications — wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy and RVO.
These label expansions are likely to have boosted drug sales.
Apart from Eylea, profits from the sales of asthma drug Dupixent are a primary growth driver for REGN. Regeneron has a collaboration agreement with Sanofi SNY for drugs like Dupixent and Kevzara. While Sanofi records sales, Regeneron registers its share of profits/losses in connection with the global sales of the aforementioned drugs.
As reported by SNY last week, Dupixent sales were up 30.8% in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong demand in all approved indications (atopic dermatitis, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, eosinophilic esophagitis, prurigo nodularis, chronic spontaneous urticaria, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bullous pemphigoid). Hence, Regeneron is likely to have earned incremental profits from Dupixent in the to-be-reported quarter.
Meanwhile, Regeneron is also looking to diversify its revenue base to reduce its dependence on Eylea for top-line growth and build an oncology franchise, which currently comprises Libtayo and some newly approved drugs.
Growth in Libtayo’s sales has also boosted the top line in recent quarters. Libtayo sales are being driven by growth in demand for non-melanoma skin indications.
The recent label expansions could provide additional upside. The drug has also likely benefited from the recent label expansions in the United States and Europe as an adjuvant treatment for adult patients with CSCC at high risk of recurrence following surgery and radiation. This approval broadens Libtayo’s existing indication in advanced CSCC to include patients with high recurrence risk.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Libtayo’s sales is currently pegged at $361 million.
Operating expenses are also likely to have increased in the quarter due to pipeline advancement and higher commercialization-related expenses to support the ongoing launches of Libtayo in adjuvant CSCC, and Lynozyfic in late-line multiple myeloma and higher headcount-related costs.
The FDA had earlier approved linvoseltamab-gcpt for the treatment of relapsed or refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma (MM). The drug was granted accelerated approval by the FDA under the brand name Lynozyfic. It is also approved in the European Union (EU) to treat adults with R/R MM after at least three prior therapies, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.
A decrease in the number of shares outstanding is likely to have boosted the bottom line. In February 2025, management authorized a new share repurchase program to repurchase up to an additional $3.0 billion of the company's common stock. As of Dec. 31, 2025, $1.5 billion remained available for share repurchases. Investors will look forward to updates on the share buyback program.
REGN’s Key Pipeline Updates
The FDA recently granted accelerated approval to Otarmeni (lunsotogene parvec-cwha), marking it as the first gene therapy and the second new molecular entity approved under the FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program.
The FDA also approved extending dosing intervals of up to every 20 weeks for Eylea HD (aflibercept) in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) who have demonstrated a sustained response after one year.
As part of the approval, the regulatory body updated Eylea HD’s label to incorporate 96-week (two-year) data from the pivotal PULSAR trial in wAMD and PHOTON trial in DME, confirming sustained efficacy and safety with extended dosing intervals over two years.
REGN’s Share Price Performance
Regeneron’s shares have lost 2.7% year to date compared with the industry’s decline of 0.7%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Other Stocks to Consider
Here are some other drug/biotech stocks that also have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this time around:
AstraZeneca AZN has an Earnings ESP of +0.47% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
AZN beat on earnings in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the remaining one, delivering an average surprise of 3.59%.
AstraZeneca is scheduled to report first-quarter results on April 29.
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals ALNY has an Earnings ESP of +12.80% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present.
Alnylam beat on earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 336.57%. ALNY is scheduled to report first-quarter results on April 30.
Radical New Technology Could Hand Investors Huge Gains
Quantum Computing is the next technological revolution, and it could be even more advanced than AI.
While some believed the technology was years away, it is already present and moving fast. Large hyperscalers, such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, and even Meta and Tesla, are scrambling to integrate quantum computing into their infrastructure.
Senior Stock Strategist Kevin Cook reveals 7 carefully selected stocks poised to dominate the quantum computing landscape in his report, Beyond AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Power.
Kevin was among the early experts who recognized NVIDIA's enormous potential back in 2016. Now, he has keyed in on what could be "the next big thing" in quantum computing supremacy. Today, you have a rare chance to position your portfolio at the forefront of this opportunity.
See Top Quantum Stocks Now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Will Higher Dupixent Profits, Eylea HD Sales Drive REGN's Q1 Earnings?

(RTTNews) - Sanofi (SNY), a biopharmaceutical company, announced that it has priced its offering of 2.3 billion Euros of notes across 3 tranches. Sanofi intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes.
Sanofi develops and markets medicines and vaccines across areas including immunology, oncology, and rare diseases.
The pricing of notes across three tranches is such that,
-1,000 million Euros fixed-rate notes, which are due May 2029, bearing interest at an annual rate of 3.000%.
-650 million Euros fixed-rate notes, which are due May 2033, bearing interest at an annual rate of 3.375%.
-650 million Euros fixed-rate notes, due May 2037, bearing interest at an annual rate of 3.750%.
The notes are being issued under Sanofi's Euro Medium Term Note programme, and the transaction has been led by Citigroup, HSBC, and J.P. Morgan as global coordinators.
Sanofi offers vaccines for poliomyelitis, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) pediatric vaccines, and protection against respiratory syncytial virus.
SNY has traded between $43.32 and $55.73 over the past year. The stock closed Friday's trade at $46.78, down 1.58%.
In the overnight market, SNY is down 1.47% at $46.09.
For More Such Biotech Stock News, visit rttnews.com.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Sanofi Prices EUR 2.3 Bln Notes Offering Across Three Tranches

Key Points
Some shareholders are waiting for healthcare stocks to rebound.
As they wait, some companies pay out dividends with meaningful yields that make that waiting easier.
The dividend payout can help boost the total return potential for Medtronic, Sanofi, and Bristol Myers Squibb.
Some investors have watched their healthcare stock holdings drop in value recently or over the years, yet they have stuck around. That's because those companies are still paying dividends with meaningful yields to loyal shareholders.
In the healthcare sector, the shares of these three companies are down over different periods, so depending on when someone first owned shares, they may be in the situation described above.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY), and Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) all pay dividends with respectable yields as shareholders wait for a recovery.
Medtronic
Device maker Medtronic serves several medical markets, including cardiovascular, neuroscience, and diabetes. Those medical devices make a lot of money; Medtronic's revenue in the fiscal third quarter of 2026 (which ended Jan. 23) reached $9 billion, an 8.7% increase from the previous year.
The stock price has fallen more than 35% over the past five years and is down this year as costs for the company rise and profits shrink. Heading into its fiscal 2026, Medtronic also expected to face a significant impact from tariffs.
To look at a recent example, gross margin dropped from 66.6% in Q3 2025 to 64.9% in Q3 2026. Both operating margin and net income fell during that same period from the previous year.
As shareholders wait to see if the company can navigate this turbulent period and for the stock price to rebound, Medtronic pays a dividend yielding 3.3%. And that dividend is consistent: The company has increased its dividend payout for 48 consecutive years.
Sanofi
Sanofi develops and manufactures drug treatments across oncology, neurology, and immunology. It has a broad portfolio and a massive pipeline, but the company has struggled to reward shareholders, not only in 2026 but also over the last five years.
There's been a mix of issues weighing on the stock price. One is the worry that the company will eventually lose its patent on Dupixent, which has been a heavy-hitting drug for the company. Dupixent sales increased by 32.2% in 2025 and generated 4.2 billion euros in revenue.
Sanofi will need its pipeline to do some heavy lifting to offset that sales loss in the future. There's also been some turbulence on the leadership front, with Sanofi's board announcing in February that it was bringing in a new CEO.
As Sanofi works to find a replacement for Dupixent, it expects its total sales in 2026 will climb by a high-single-digit percentage compared to 2025. It also pays a generous 5% dividend yield as shareholders wait to see more progress from the company in managing its issues.
Bristol Myers Squibb
Shares of Bristol Myers are up on the year, but the stock price is still down around 10% over the last five years. One concern has been slowing revenue from the company's "legacy portfolio," which took a nosedive from $25.7 billion in 2024 to $21.8 billion in 2025.
There's an upcoming concern with its blood thinner drug, Eliquis, which brought in $14.4 billion in global revenue in 2025 but faces a patent cliff. On top of all that, the company could be adding on more debt with the potential $1.5 billion acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics.
The good news is Bristol is showing progress with its "growth portfolio" to offset the slumping sales from its legacy portfolio. Revenue for that portfolio climbed from $22.6 billion in 2024 to $26.4 billion in 2025, and its growth portfolio features several drugs that generate $1 billion or more in global sales.
Revenue is expected to slightly decline in 2026 from 2025, but it's not a significant drop-off. As investors wait for sales from Bristol's growth portfolio to keep growing, the company will pay a dividend yielding 4.2%. Of the three, Bristol is the strongest for an investment consideration, as the stock price has momentum in 2026. But all the companies above are paying dividends with meaningful yields that can contribute to a positive total return.
Should you buy stock in Medtronic right now?
Before you buy stock in Medtronic, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Medtronic wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $500,572!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,223,900!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 967% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 199% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Jack Delaney has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bristol Myers Squibb and Medtronic. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

3 Healthcare Stocks That Pay You a Dividend While You Wait for a Recovery

(RTTNews) - This week's biotech landscape witnessed regulatory approvals across the U.S. and Europe, alongside FDA rejections, acquisitions, and positive data readouts spanning multiple therapeutic areas, including Wilson's Disease, Ovarian cancer and stiff person syndrome.
Let's unpack the specifics.
FDA and EU Approvals & Rejections
Sanofi (SNY) won expanded FDA approval for Tzield?in stage 2 type 1 diabetes, now covering children as young as one year old. The CD-3-directed antibody remains the only therapy to delay progression to stage 3 disease, with the decision supported by the PETITE-T1D Phase 4 study.
SNY closed Thursday's trading (April 24, 2026) at $47.53, up 1.34%.
Royal Philips (PHG)?received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance for its Rembra platform, including Rembra CT, Rembra RT, and Areta RT system. The technologies aim to expand access to faster, more precise imaging across frontline care and cancer treatment planning, with features such as an 85 cm bore and high-throughput capacity supporting up to 270 exams per day. The clearance strengthens Philips' diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology portfolio.
PHG closed Thursday's trading at $27.63, down 2.16%.
Sanofi (SNY) and Regeneron secured FDA approval for Dupixent?to treat children aged 2-11 with chronic spontaneous urticaria who remain symptomatic and uncontrolled by antihistamines. The decision, based on LIBERTY-CUPID data, expands Dupixent's reach beyond adults and adolescents, marking its ninth approved indication across allergy-related conditions.
SNY closed Thursday's trading at $47.53, up 1.34%.
Alpha Tau Medical Ltd. (DRTS) received FDA approval for an IDE supplement, allowing expansion of its IMPACT pilot study of Alpha DaRT in pancreatic cancer to include patients treated with Gemcitabine with Abraxane. The intratumoral alpha-radiation therapy is now being evaluated alongside both leading first-line chemotherapy regimens, broadening its development path in unresectable and metastatic disease. Enrolment is expected to complete in Q3 2026.
DRTS closed Thursday's trading at $7.98, down 1.24%.
Cipla Wins FDA Nod for the First Generic Ventolin HFA
Cipla Limited (CIPLA) and its U.S. subsidiary received FDA approval for Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol, 90 mcg per actuation, the first AB-rated generic of Ventolin HFA. Indicated for bronchospasm?and?exercise induced bronchospasm in patients aged four and older, the approval strengthens Cipla's U.S. respiratory portfolio and expands its leadership in inhalation therapies. The product will be manufactured at Cipla's new inhalation facility in Massachusetts
CIPLA closed Thursday's trading at INR 1,295.00, down 0.83%.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) secured FDA accelerated approval for Otarmeni, the first gene therapy for genetic hearing loss linked to OTOF gene variants. The decision, supported by pivotal CHORD trial data, makes Otarmeni available at no cost to clinically eligible U.S. patients. The therapy uses an adeno-associated virus vector to restore hearing in pediatric and adult patients with severe sensorineural?loss.
REGN closed Thursday's trading at $766.02, up 2.60%.
AbbVie (ABBV) announced it received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA for its Biologics License Application for TrenibotulinumtoxinE (TrenibotE) for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines, citing manufacturing process issues. The agency did not raise safety or efficacy concerns and did not request additional clinical studies. AbbVie plans to submit a comprehensive response in the coming months.
ABBV closed Thursday's trading at $200.95, up 0.22%.
Grace Therapeutics, Inc. (GRCE)?received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) for its NDA of GTx-104, an IV Nimodipine?formulation for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). The agency cited chemistry, manufacturing, and non-clinical deficiencies, including packaging and toxicology data, but did not question efficacy. Grace plans to resubmit after addressing the issues, supported by Phase 3 STRIVE-ON trial data showing reduced hypotension versus oral Nimodipine.
GRCE closed Thursday's trading at $2.35, down 45.48%.
Deals
Vystar Corporation (VYST) has entered into a binding letter of intent to acquire a 50% interest in R3alm Inc., a compliance-focused AI and Web3 financial ecosystem.
Under the proposed transaction, R3alm would receive approximately 8,500 shares of Vystar Series B preferred stock, and both parties would jointly manage and develop the platform. Closing is expected within 60 days, subject to approval conditions.
VYST closed Thursday's trade at $0.33, up 3.13%.
Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) and Kelonia Therapeutics, Inc., announced a definitive agreement for Lilly to acquire Kelonia and Kelonia shareholders will receive up to $7 billion in cash, including an upfront payment of $3.25 billion and subsequent payments upon achievement of certain clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones.
The acquisition may expand Lilly's genetic medicine capabilities with in vivo gene delivery and integration technology. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to conditions.
LLY closed Thursday's trade at $917.65, down 0.42%
QuidelOrtho Corporation (QDEL), a diagnostics company, announced that it has completed the acquisition of LEX Diagnostics, the developer of the FDA-cleared LEX VELO system, for a cash consideration of approximately $100 million.
QuidelOrtho stated that the acquisition of LEX would accelerate growth in its point-of-care molecular diagnostics market, and the company anticipates launching the LEX VELO system in the U.S. later this year, with global expansion planned.
QDEL closed Thursday's trade at $11.24, down 5.55%.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMRX), a generic medicine and biosimilar manufacturer, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Kashiv BioSciences in a transaction that includes $375 million of cash and $375 million of equity payable at closing and up to $350 million in potential regulatory milestones and royalty payments.
The transaction positions Amneal to capitalise on more than $300 billion in global biologic drug sales expected to lose exclusivity over the next decade.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to approval conditions.
AMRX closed Thursday's trade at $12.65, down 1.33%.
Genenta Science S.p.A. (GNTA)?has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Sòphia High Tech S.r.l., a manufacturer of precision mechanical components used in European space and defence programs
As per the agreement terms, Genenta will invest 6.0 million euros in two tranches. The first tranche will give the company a 19.9% stake, while completion of the second tranche will increase ownership to 51%, making Sophia High Tech a majority-owned subsidiary.
GNTA closed Thursday's trade at $0.70, down 1.69%.
Clinical Trials - Breakthroughs & Setbacks
Monopar Therapeutics Inc. (MNPR), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced new analyses of promising results from FoCus, a pivotal Phase 3 trial evaluating ALXN1840 (Tiomolibidate choline, TMC), an investigational oral daily treatment for Wilson Disease.
The Phase 3 FoCus trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of ALXN1840 for the treatment of Wilson disease compared with standard-of-care treatments.
ALXN1840 showed rapid and sustained copper mobilisation over 48 weeks, thus meeting its primary endpoint, and also demonstrated a favourable safety and tolerability profile across 645 patient-years of follow-up in 266 patients, with a median follow-up of 2.58 years.
MNPR closed Thursday's trading at $53.24, down 0.11%.
Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (KYTX), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company, announced positive primary analysis results from its registrational Phase 2 trial, KYSA-8, of miv-cel (KYV-101), a CD19 CAR T-cell product candidate for stiff person syndrome.
The trial met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in the Timed 25-Foot Walk?(T25FW) at week 16, with a median improvement of 46% from baseline.
The trial met all secondary endpoints, with significant mean improvements in mRS, HAI, DSI, and HSS of -0.8, -1.6, -1.5, and -3.2 points, respectively.
Miv-cel demonstrated a well-tolerated and manageable safety profile.
KYTX closed Thursday's trade at $9.36, up 4.53%.
Zymeworks Inc. (ZYME) presented new Phase 1 data for its folate receptor alpha (FRa)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ZW191, demonstrating encouraging anti-tumour activity in heavily pretreated ovarian and endometrial cancers, with responses observed regardless of FRa expression levels.
In platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, ZW191 achieved a confirmed objective response rate (cORR) of 56% across all dose levels, with tumour regression in 68% of patients and disease control in 94%. At doses of 6.4-9.6 mg/kg, responses were even stronger.
Investigators noted the safety profile was manageable with no unexpected signals.
ZYME closed Thursday's trade at $27.43, down 3.38%.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) announced new data from the Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 study and ongoing open-label extension in a broad population of antibody-positive adults with generalised myasthenia gravis, reinforcing the efficacy, sustained disease control and safety profile of IMAAVY.?
Through 120 weeks of follow-up, IMAAVY delivered sustained clinical improvements and reductions in total IgG in antibody-positive adult patients, including anti-AChR+ and anti-MuSK+.
JNJ closed Thursday's trade at $230.65, up 2.01%.
Novo Nordisk (NVO) has reported positive topline results from the PIONEER TEENS?trial that evaluated oral Semaglutide in 132 children and adolescents aged 10-17 years with type 2 diabetes.
Oral semaglutide demonstrated a superior reduction in HbA1C, a measure of blood sugar control over placebo in the trial and showed a well-tolerated safety profile consistent with previous Novo Nordisk semaglutide trials.
The therapy delivered a statistically significant and superior reduction in blood sugar compared with placebo at 26 weeks, the primary endpoint.
NVO closed Thursday's trade at $38.52, down 1.61%.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Weekly Buzz: SNY, REGN Get FDA Nod; It's A No For ABBV, GRCE; LLY Acquires Kelonia

Merck MRK continues to encounter persistent challenges with its second-largest product, Gardasil, a vaccine approved to prevent certain cancers caused by the human papillomavirus. While Gardasil’s sales grew steadily through 2022, growth began to slow down in 2024.
Gardasil sales plunged 39% year over year to $5.2 billion in 2025.
Sales of Gardasil are declining due to weak performance in China, which resulted from sluggish demand trends amid an economic slowdown. Lower demand in China resulted in above-normal channel inventory levels at Merck’s commercialization partner in China, Zhifei.
Accordingly, Merck decided to temporarily halt shipments of Gardasil in China to allow Zhifei to burn down existing inventory. The company is also seeing lower demand for the vaccine in Japan, with sales not expected to improve in 2026.
We expect Gardasil sales to decline due to lower demand in China as well as Japan in the first quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Gardasil’s first-quarter sales stands at $1.18 billion.
MRK’s Other Vaccines & Competition in the Space
Besides Gardasil, Merck markets vaccines like ProQuad/ M-M-R II/Varivax (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella virus vaccine), Vaxneuvance (pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine), RotaTeq (rotavirus vaccine), Pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent) and its newest jab, Capvaxive (21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine).
Sales of some other Merck vaccines, like Proquad, M-M-R II, Varivax, Rotateq and Pneumovax 23, also declined in 2025.
However, as seen in previous quarters, sales of the new vaccine, Capvaxive, are likely to have improved sequentially in the first quarter, driven by growing demand.
Also, Merck’s newest respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibody, Enflonsia (clesrovimab), was approved in the United States in June 2025. The RSV antibody was approved in Europe earlier this month.
Enflonsia recorded sales worth $21 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, which declined sequentially due to a lower-than-expected infant immunization rate and high inventory levels in the market. As Merck prepares to report its first-quarter 2026 results, it remains to be seen how Enflonsia performs in the quarter.
Enflonsia faces competition from AstraZeneca AZN/Sanofi’s SNY RSV antibody Beyfortus, which is approved for a similar indication.
In the first quarter of 2026, the AZN/SNY antibody recorded sales worth €284 million, up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis.
Besides antibodies, some vaccines have been approved for preventing RSV in certain patients in the United States. These include Pfizer’s Abrysvo, GSK’s Arexvy and Moderna’s mRESVIA.
MRK's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates
Year to date, shares of Merck have increased 8.9% against the industry’s 5.4% decline. The stock has also outperformed the sector and the S&P 500 during the same time frame, as seen in the chart below.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, Merck is trading at a premium compared to the industry. Going by the price/earnings ratio, the company’s shares currently trade at 17.69 forward earnings, higher than 16.62 for the industry and higher than its 5-year mean of 12.68.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings per share has decreased from $5.18 to $4.93, while the same for 2027 has declined from $9.98 to $9.91 over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
MRK's Zacks Rank
Merck currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days
Just released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."
Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.9% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention.
See them now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Will Lower Gardasil Sales Hurt MRK's Vaccines Sales in Q1 Earnings?

Honeywell International Inc. (HON) shares fell 2.6% after reporting first-quarter 2026 revenues of $9.14 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.28%.
Shares of Sanofi (SNY) rose 1.3% after the company reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.10 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.06 per share.
Ryder System, Inc. (R) shares rose 6.6% after the company reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.54 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.29 per share.
Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP) shares rose 7.5% after the company reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $0.39 per share, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.37 per share.
7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days
Just released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."
Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.9% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention.
See them now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Company News for Apr 24, 2026

Sanofi SNY and its partner Regeneron Pharmaceuticals REGN announced that the FDA has approved the expanded use of their blockbuster drug, Dupixent, for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in children. This approval supports Dupixent’s use in CSU patients aged 2 to 11 years who have an inadequate response to histamine-1 antihistamines treatment.
Dupixent was previously approved in the United States for the treatment of CSU in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older in April 2025. With the latest approval, it has become the first biologic medicine for young children with uncontrolled CSU in the region.
Earlier this month, the European Commission also granted approval for CSU patients aged 2 to 11 years in the European Union.
CSU is an inflammatory skin condition, primarily driven by type II inflammation. This causes sudden and debilitating hives and skin swelling, which is often inadequately controlled by antihistamine treatment. It is the fifth disease linked to type II inflammation for which Dupixent is approved in children under 12 years of age.
Beyond CSU, Dupixent is currently approved in the United States, the European Union, Japan and many other countries for several medical conditions, including asthma, atopic dermatitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, prurigo nodularis, bullous pemphigoid and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis across various age groups.
Year to date, SNY’s shares have declined 3.2% compared with the industry’s 5.5% fall.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
FDA Nod to SNY & REGN’s Dupixent Based on Phase III Studies
The FDA approval for Dupixent’s expanded use in children aged 2 to 11 years with CSU is supported by data from two late-stage studies, Study A and Study C, in the phase III LIBERTY-CUPID program and CUPIDKids study.
Data from the studies under the LIBERTY-CUPID program showed that treatment with Dupixent significantly reduced itch and hives (urticaria activity) versus placebo at 24 weeks and increased the percentage of patients with well-controlled disease and a complete response.
Sanofi has a global strategic collaboration with Regeneron for the discovery, development and commercialization of Dupixent, Kevzara and itepekimab. Per the agreement, Sanofi records global net product sales of Dupixent and Kevzara while Regeneron records its share of profits or losses in connection with the global sales of the drugs.
Sanofi’s Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider
SNY currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are Catalyst Pharmaceuticals CPRX and Indivior Pharmaceuticals INDV, each currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Over the past 60 days, estimates for Catalyst Pharmaceuticals’ 2026 earnings per share have risen from $2.55 to $2.87. Over the same period, EPS estimates for 2027 have surged from $2.85 to $3.25. CPRX shares have gained 11.2% year to date.
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals’ earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 35.19%.
Over the past 60 days, estimates for Indivior Pharmaceuticals’ 2026 earnings per share have risen from $2.89 to $3.08. Over the same period, EPS estimates for 2027 have surged from $3.22 to $3.41. INDV shares have gained 1.9% year to date.
Indivior Pharmaceuticals’ earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 74.53%.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.