The Panic-Proof Portfolio (Stockchase Research)Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.VRTXTOP PICKJan 19, 2021
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly VRTX is a pharmaceutical company that is world renowned in its treatment for cystic fibrosis. The company is estimated to have increased its cash position by almost $2 billion, leaving it plenty in the tank to develop other life changing drugs likes ones being developed for sickle cell disease and AAT deficiency. We would buy this with a stop-loss at $200, looking to achieve $290 -- over 25% upside potential. Yield 0% (Analysts’ price target is $289.66)
Their drugs have done great in cystic fibrosis (which has become the standard of care) and gene therapies (innovative). Their science has been at the front end of the curve.
He sold part of this. In Q1, the FDA approved a record low number of drugs, and Vertex has some important trials. Was nervous in a macro standpoint, but company fundamentals and valuation were reasonable. He hopes for a bounce.
Sold it. Long term this is great. He wrote a $19.50 covered call last Monday. Earnings slightly miss and the stock sold off. So, he hedged half the decline then got stopped out. It's pure risk management.
She trimmed it because it's up 20% this year because of the launch of their pain medicine. Tonight's earnings will be fine and their pipeline makes it a good stock long term.
He likes it for developing non-addictive painkillers with potential FDA approvals ahead. They reported a great quarter a day before the election, but has since pulled back hard that baffles him. Looks like profit-taking in a stock that's jumped 113% since end-2021.
It's doing well, hitting new highs today. It's further along in its life cycle. Has a fine cystic fibrosis franchise. Shares are strong momentum, so he's staying in.
PPH, an ETF for pharma producers, is breaking out and near a record. VTX and Eli Lilly are leaders in this space and Vertex has a great product for Cystic Fibrosis therapeutics. It is growing well and not too expensive.