Opinions
Lorne Steinberg
Viatris
VTRS-Q
HOLD
May 07, 2024
Stock price when the opinion was issued
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The pharma company produces Lipitor as one of its brands. It has embarked on a divestiture strategy that is allowing it to focus on core competencies and reduce costs. The are on target for $450 million in new product launches. It trades at 7x earnings and below book value. Cash reserves are growing as debt is aggressively retired. Its dividend is backed by a payout ratio under one-third of cash flow. We recommend placing a stop-loss at $8.50, looking to achieve $41 -- upside potential of 30%. Yield 4.5%
(Analysts’ price target is $14.11)We reiterate VTRS, producer of Lipitor as one of its brands, as a TOP PICK. Management has simplified its product offering portfolio and committed to returning half of free cash cash flow to shareholders through aggressive share buybacks. It trades at 8x earnings and below book value. Cash reserves are growing as debt is aggressively retired. Its dividend is backed by a payout ratio under one-third of cash flow. We recommend trailing up the stop (from $8.50) to $10.50, looking to achieve $14 -- upside potential of 19%. Yield 4.0%
(Analysts’ price target is $14.13)Our PAST TOP PICK with VTRS has triggered its stop at $11.50. To remain disciplined we recommend covering the position at this time. Along with previous recommendations, this will result in a net investment gain of 4%.
Proof that not every stock he buys goes up ;) He's held for years. Recent earnings were weak, and stock fell ~15%. Generating significant free cashflow, which now will be used to buy back shares incredibly cheaply. It's the best use of capital at this time. FDA investigation in one of their plants, costing about $300-400M in EBITDA. Yield is 4+%.
Stock's done nothing for him except pay a 4% dividend. A couple of more asset sales to go next quarter. He'd love it if they took the cash, paid down debt, and bought back shares. But management keeps making acquisitions, riskier. Trades at 3-4x earnings.