Ligand Introduces 2026 Guidance of $245M to $285M
Ligand will also introduce its 2026 guidance: Total revenue of $245 million to $285 million, comprised of $200 million to $225 million in royalty revenue, $35 million to $40 million in Captisol sales, and $10 million to $20 million in contract revenue Core adjusted earnings per diluted share of $8.00 to $9.00. Revenue consensus $259.2M.
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- Market Volatility: On Wednesday, the S&P 500 and Dow reversed from their highs, indicating a shift in market sentiment that could influence short-term investor decisions.
- Nasdaq Performance: Although the Nasdaq index initially gained, it ultimately narrowed its gains, reflecting the volatility of tech stocks and the uncertainty in the market.
- Buy Signals: Eli Lilly and Google flashed buy signals, potentially attracting investor interest in these companies' future growth prospects, especially in the current market environment.
- Investor Sentiment: The overall market reversal may lead investors to reassess their risk appetite, thereby affecting capital flows and market dynamics.
- Market Volatility: On Wednesday, the S&P 500 and Dow retreated from their highs, indicating a shift in market sentiment that could influence short-term investor decisions and risk appetite.
- Nasdaq Performance: Although the Nasdaq index pared gains, it still shows potential for growth, suggesting that volatility in tech stocks may provide short-term trading opportunities for investors.
- Buy Signals: Stocks of Eli Lilly and Google flashed buy signals, potentially attracting investor attention to the growth prospects of these companies in their respective sectors, which could drive their stock prices higher.
- Investor Strategy Adjustment: The market fluctuations and buy signals may prompt investors to reassess their portfolios, particularly in the current economic environment, seeking more promising investment opportunities.
Investment Recommendation: Citigroup has initiated a buy rating for Ligand Pharmaceuticals with a price target of $270, suggesting a potential upside of 46% from its current price of $184.67, as the stock has already risen nearly 79% this year.
Stock Valuation Insights: Analyst Yigal Nochomovitz believes that Ligand's current stock price does not fully reflect its potential value, citing upcoming catalysts from partnered programs that could drive further growth.
Risk Mitigation Strategy: Ligand is positioned as a conservative investment in the biotech sector, with a diversified portfolio that reduces volatility compared to other biotech firms that often focus on one or two drugs.
Revenue Projections: The company is expected to see increased royalty revenue from its products, with significant contributions anticipated from Filspari and Ohtuvayre, which are projected to generate over $1 billion in sales by 2027.
- Revenue Growth Outlook: Ligand anticipates total revenue for 2026 to be between $245 million and $285 million, representing an approximately 15% increase in core revenue growth over 2025, which will significantly enhance the company's competitive position in the biopharmaceutical sector.
- Surge in Royalty Revenue: The company expects royalty revenue for 2026 to reach $200 million to $225 million, a 40% increase over 2025, indicating that strong performances from key products like Filspari and Zelsuvmi will drive long-term revenue growth.
- Capital Allocation Strategy: Ligand expects to have $1 billion in deployable capital, which will be strategically allocated to drive long-term royalty revenue growth, further solidifying its leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Profitability Enhancement: The projected core adjusted earnings per diluted share for 2026 is between $8.00 and $9.00, reflecting the company's ongoing efforts to enhance profitability and shareholder value, thereby boosting investor confidence.

Financial Milestones: Orchestra BioMed secured $147.6 million in proceeds through strategic transactions and equity offerings, including significant investments from Medtronic, Ligand, and Terumo, extending its cash runway into Q4 2027.
Clinical Trials Update: The company initiated patient enrollments in the Virtue Trial, comparing its Virtue Sirolimus AngioInfusion Balloon with a commercially available paclitaxel-coated balloon, with expected completion of enrollment in mid-2027.
Strategic Collaborations: Orchestra BioMed expanded its collaboration with Medtronic and established a new right of first refusal agreement with Terumo, enhancing its strategic partnerships for the development of its medical technologies.
Financial Performance: For Q3 2025, the company reported a net loss of $20.8 million, with increased research and development expenses, while revenue slightly decreased compared to the previous year.

Acquisition of Xepi: Pelthos Therapeutics has acquired the U.S. commercialization rights to Xepi, a topical treatment for impetigo, which addresses antibiotic-resistant skin infections, particularly in children.
Financing for Growth: The company secured $18 million through private convertible notes financing to support the acquisition and re-launch of Xepi, as well as to accelerate the commercialization of its existing product, ZELSUVMI.
Market Need: Impetigo, affecting around 3 million people annually in the U.S., is a common bacterial skin infection in children, and Xepi offers a new treatment option amid rising antibiotic resistance.
Future Plans: Pelthos plans to re-launch Xepi in late 2026, leveraging its commercial infrastructure to promote multiple innovative products in the pediatric and dermatology markets.







