The Panic-Proof Portfolio (Stockchase Research)GlaxoSmithKline PLCGSKTOP PICKJul 30, 2026
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly
We reiterate this global pharma company, as a TOP PICK. The healthcare sector has been a steady performer with recent market volatility and GSK is a key player in the space. Recent earnings growth was reported at 7%. It trades at 11x earnings, 5.6x book and supports a robust 43% ROE. We continue to recommend a stop at $50, looking to achieve $62 -- upside potential of 18%. Yield 3.3%
Their vaccine division suffers from the general dismay over vaccines in the US (so does Merck), but accounts for only a third of its business. Ongoing trials could put them back in the race in drugs vs. peers. Expects the sentiment overhang to persist in vaccines.
(A Top Pick Jan 16/25, Up 21.3%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly
Our PAST TOP PICK with GSK has achieved its target at $41. To remain disciplined, we recommend covering half the position at this time and maintaining the stop at $32.
We reiterate GSK as a TOP PICK. We like that cash reserves are holding steady, despite an aggressive retirement of debt. It trades at 22x earnings and supports a 18% ROE. The solid dividend is backed by a payout ratio under 50% of cash flow. The company is partnering with another pharma to develop Parkinson's disease treatments. We continue to recommend a stop at $27, looking to achieve $41 -- upside potential over 20%. Yield 4.6%
This large global biopharma company has reported continued success in a oncology based treatment for a blood cancer effecting 180,000 new patients annually. The company is building cash reserves while debt is retired. It trades at 22x earnings and supports a 21% ROE. We recommend setting a stop-loss at $27, looking to achieve $45 -- upside potential of 26%. Yield 4.5%
Buy drug stocks when there's no good news about their drug pipelines, or else you pay up when there is good news, in which case it becomes a trade, not investment.
Vaccine discoveries good for business. Does not own shares at this time. Market for pharmaceuticals separating between strong and weak players. Current share price fairly valued.
Big pharmas are all under pressure, growth is hard to come by and so they're cost-cutting. All have lots of free cashflow and reasonable dividend yields. He prefers JNJ.
Good business, but better opportunities out there. Attractive dividend yield. Not investing in business at this time. Hard to evaluate R&D pipeline. Would look elsewhere.
They sold their personal care business to generate a lot of capital. They're strong in vaccines, but don't have a strong pipeline of drugs. So, they need to buy other companies to make up for that. Not a high PE and pays a good dividend. The key is what they will do with their capital.
We reiterate this global pharma company, as a TOP PICK. The healthcare sector has been a steady performer with recent market volatility and GSK is a key player in the space. Recent earnings growth was reported at 7%. It trades at 11x earnings, 5.6x book and supports a robust 43% ROE. We continue to recommend a stop at $50, looking to achieve $62 -- upside potential of 18%. Yield 3.3%
(Analysts’ price target is $54.31)