Improving Long-Term Outlook for Big Pharma in 2013

As the patent cliff subsides, Big Pharma firms are launching the next generation of drugs, setting up both improving growth and expanding valuations

Damien Conover, CFA 22 January, 2013 | 2:28PM
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Summary

As Big Pharma firms begin to report fourth-quarter results, we believe the group is facing an inflection point towards improving long-term growth rates. We project the five-year compound annual growth rate in earnings will improve from negative 0.3% in 2012 to 1.7% in 2013 based on less patent exposure, improving pipelines, growing contributions from fast-growing emerging markets and cost-cutting. As the growth prospects improve, we expect the valuation of the industry will improve as well.

Key Takeaways

  • We project close to 100-basis-point improvement annually in our five-year CAGR for earnings beginning in 2013 and continuing through 2015.
  • Patent losses peaked in 2012 and are beginning to dissipate, removing the major growth obstacle for the Big Pharma group.
  • Pipelines continue to focus more on innovation in areas of unmet need, creating a stronger platform of the next generation drugs.
  • Despite lower margins, emerging markets will still contribute to growth for the industry. Also, while less room exists for cost cuts, further efficiency improvement will help buoy the industry's bottom line.
  • Our top three undervalued Big Pharma stocks are AbbVie (ABBV) (fair value estimate: $38), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) (fair value estimate: $77), and Novartis (NOVN) (fair value estimate: 66 CHF).

Big Pharma's Long-Term Growth Rates Are Improving

With the patent losses subsiding and new product launches in 2013 combined with the likely strong Phase III data flow in 2013, we expect the long-term growth rate for the Big Pharma firms will improve over the next three years. Our five-year compound annual EPS growth rate improves from 0% in 2012 to 3% in 2015 as shown in the table below. As the growth prospects improve, we expect the group's valuation will increase.

 

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Big Pharma is Emerging from the Worst of the Patent Cliff

The patent losses in 2013 are significantly lower than in 2012. Pharma is finally through the worst of its patent losses. In 2013, the major patent losses include AbbVie's Tricor and Niaspan; and Cymbalta from Eli Lilly (LLY).

Pipeline Launches and Major Data Releases Set Up Improving Growth Rates

In 2013, we expect several new blockbuster launches and important Phase III data releases. We expect Big Pharma companies will launch over 20 new potential blockbusters in 2013 with the highest potential likely coming from atrial fibrillation drug Eliquis. On the data front, we are expecting more than 30 key data releases.

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The above is a summary of a report generated by Morningstar Equity Research Services.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
AbbVie Inc176.95 USD3.04Rating
AstraZeneca PLC10,474.00 GBX4.09Rating
Eli Lilly and Co748.01 USD-0.25Rating
GSK PLC1,342.00 GBX2.48Rating
Johnson & Johnson155.17 USD-0.21Rating
Novartis AG Registered Shares93.68 CHF2.32Rating
Pfizer Inc25.65 USD2.07Rating
Sanofi SA92.50 EUR2.16

About Author

Damien Conover, CFA  is an equity analyst and associate director at Morningstar.

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