Biotechs, generic-drug makers and ethical-drug makers are some of the highest-ranked industry groups among the 197 that IBD tracks, and with recent view-topping earnings reports, FDA approvals and strategic divestments, they’re proving their strength. Five hot drug stocks lead IBD’s Screen Of The Day, Big Cap Leaders: Gilead Sciences (GILD), Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ), Allergan (AGN), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) and Mallinckrodt (MNK).
Big biotech Gilead Sciences handily beat analysts’ Q2 estimates and raised its full-year guidance Tuesday afternoon, led by sales of its blockbuster hepatitis C drugs. Earnings, excluding one-time items, rose 33.5% over the year-earlier quarter to $3.15 a share, beating analysts’ consensus by 44 cents, according to Thomson Reuters. Revenue climbed 26% to $8.24 billion, some $800 million above the Street’s number. Gilead (GILD) duly
Combining superior fundamentals with strong chart action can pinpoint top stock watch candidates such as Gilead Sciences. Today’s Screen Of The Day, Top Fundamentals, features highly rated firms with three-year sales and earnings growth rates of at least 25%, sorted by the biggest estimated earnings-per-share percentage change from a year ago. The list includes three companies that also have the stability of size: drugmaker Gilead Sciences (GILD),