The RBC team is focusing on the top mid-cap names as they feel some of the large biotechs like Amgen are solid, but may have limited upside given the big moves the stocks made this year. While they are still positive on large-cap biotechs, they also are focusing on two smaller companies that could have bigger upside in the coming year.
Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) is one of the RBC top picks for 2015, as they feel this large cap stock has the most upside potential for 2015. They also think the company can grow earnings 20% or more next year and 2016. The big biotech presented results this past summer from an analysis that showed encouraging news for blockbuster drug Revlimid as a treatment for multiple myeloma. A combination of Revlimid and low-dose dexamethasone significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival rates, leading some experts to conclude that the treatment will probably now become the new standard of care for the disease. Many on Wall Street see the company working to diversify away from the flagship product through the emerging inflammation & immunology franchise, and a rich pipeline of alliances.
The RBC team has a $115 price target. The consensus target for the stock is $112.09. Celgene closed on Monday at $110.98. 24/7 Wall St. recently asked if Celgene would become the next $100 billion stock.
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BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ: BMRN) is often touted as a possible takeover target. The RBC team thinks that investors should own the stock before the company’s December 10th analysts day. Many on Wall Street think that media speculation of big-pharma interest in BioMarin is likely related to the company’s commercial success of the orphan drug model globally. Its diversified and expanding pipeline could also provide significant strategic value to acquirers. The RBC team sees five potential pipeline readouts in 2015. While some important phase 3 data was moved to next year, a successful Vimizim launch is key to the near-term success and momentum for the stock. Launched in back mid-February, the drug is expected to have $60 to $70 million in sales this year.
The RBC price target for this top mid-cap idea is $87, and the consensus target is posted at $89.06. Shares closed at $87.94 yesterday.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: VRTX) is another large mid-cap cap biotech leader that is favored for next year by the RBC analysts. The company got on the biotechnology map with a blockbuster Hepatitis C drug and looks poised to get revenue growing again with its cystic fibrosis franchise. Earlier this month, Vertex submitted regulatory applications in the U.S. and Europe seeking approval for its fully co-formulated combination of lumacaftorand Kalydeco for use in cystic fibrosis patients who have two copies of the F508del mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. This could help drive additional large revenue streams next year.
The RBC price target for the stock is $130, and the consensus is set at $122.05. Shares closed Monday at $113.80.
While biotech investing is only suitable for very aggressive investors, these top stocks to buy make good sense for long-term investors who can stomach the volatility inherent in the sector. Volatility aside, they all could show big gains for investors in 2015 — just keep in mind that biotech has been on fire for years now.
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