On Friday, Jefferies resumed its coverage of Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ:VTRS), a global healthcare company, assigning a Buy rating and setting a price target of $15.00. The firm's decision follows recent developments within Viatris, including the completion of several non-core asset sales.
According to the analyst from Jefferies, Viatris is poised for outperformance, bolstered by an influx of $2.5 billion from its recent asset sales. This capital is expected to contribute to reducing the company's leverage and accelerating its share repurchase program. Additionally, the outlook heading into the second quarter is viewed as favorable for Viatris.
The analyst notes that Viatris's current trading at 6 times on a pro forma basis does not fully reflect the company's fundamental improvements. Based on these advancements, the analyst believes that Viatris deserves a higher market multiple.
In the analyst's words, "We remain bullish as VTRS appears well-positioned for outperformance as another $2.5B comes in from asset sales, leverage moves lower, repo ramps higher and the setup into 2Q looks favorable." They further argue that the market has yet to fully appreciate the fundamental improvements Viatris has made.
Viatris, with its diversified healthcare portfolio, continues to execute its strategy, focusing on delivering complex generics and biosimilars across a range of therapeutic areas. The company's recent maneuvers aim to strengthen its financial position and enhance shareholder value.
In other recent news, Viatris Inc. has seen a series of significant developments. The company reported robust financial results for the first quarter of 2024, with revenue totaling approximately $3.7 billion and adjusted EBITDA of around $1.2 billion. Viatris also completed the sale of its Over-the-Counter (OTC) division to Cooper Consumer Health, marking a significant step in its divestiture plans to focus on growth areas.
Moreover, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has cleared Viatris from an antitrust investigation into the generic drug industry, potentially alleviating a significant legal burden. These developments are part of Viatris' strategic initiatives, which include divestitures, debt reduction, and enhancing shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases totaling $393 million in Q1.
Furthermore, Viatris has expanded its Board of Directors with the appointment of healthcare expert, Dr. Rogerio Vivaldi Coelho. His extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry is expected to enhance the company's focus on scientific and technological development. These are among the recent developments for Viatris, a company known for its commitment to providing access to medicines globally.
InvestingPro Insights
Complementing the positive outlook from Jefferies, InvestingPro data and insights add further dimensions to the Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ:VTRS) narrative. The company's aggressive approach to share buybacks as noted by an InvestingPro Tip, underscores a commitment to bolstering shareholder value, aligning with Jefferies' projection of an accelerated repurchase program. Additionally, a high shareholder yield and an expected increase in net income this year further support the notion of a company on the rise.
From a financial standpoint, Viatris's market capitalization stands at a solid $14.01 billion, and while the current P/E ratio appears negative, the adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024 reflects a more reasonable 11.03. Furthermore, the company's strong free cash flow yield, as suggested by valuation metrics, indicates potential for sustained financial health. This is particularly relevant as Viatris continues to streamline operations following its recent asset sales.
For readers interested in a deeper analysis, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available, offering insights such as the latest analysts' earnings revisions and the stock's current RSI status. To access these valuable tips and enhance your investment strategy, use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription. With this knowledge in hand, investors can more confidently assess Viatris's position as a prominent player in the pharmaceuticals industry.
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