Generic producers are often regarded as the safer players within BioPharma. They take existing drugs that have fallen off patents, tweak them a bit, and release a product into the market. R&D expenses are kept low, and business is relatively predictable.
Similarly, medical device companies have lower risk profiles by virtue of their more predictable operating model. However, they both have experienced their own problems and are not resting on their laurels. To create value, they need to innovate and grow returns above the weighted average cost of capital. Below, I present my take on several companies within these two markets.
What Teva can gain from entering new markets
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:TEVA) has been aggressively trying to shift away from its multiple sclerosis Copaxone, which makes up the bulk of its revenue. Its new $90 million plant in India recently began construction and is expected to produce consumer health-related products, which include inhalers, syrups, and other similar products. This new plant will operate under a local brand name of “Vicks” and should be completed by 2015. While relatively minor, it is a step in the right direction. Larger steps include the focus on executing a “pearl of strings acquisition” strategy akin to what the new CEO implemented over at Bristol-Myers.
The world’s largest generic producer should explore takeover activity in the medical device market to limit downside and shift towards greater predictability. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:TEVA) should look towards adopting a more predictable business model by expanding into the medical device market. Failing to receive FDA approval for a drug versus a medical device product may mean the difference between having to start from scratch versus simply having to just follow-up on what works.
The medical device market also involves much less “shooting in the dark” than, say, the pharmaceutical market. And unlike many emerging firms, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:TEVA)’s medical device division (“Teva Medical”) fortunately comes equipped with strong liquidity from a recognizable parent company. Why not use some of that $2.9 billion in cash to add obvious free cash flow generators? This would certainly take more of the attention off of patent cliffs by giving investors some “breathing room.”
Reasons to buy Teva irrespective of business shift
If nothing else, Teva has a lot to offer to defensive investors. It was recently named one of the top 10 companies in the Dividend Channel’s International S.A.F.E. 10 because of its current 2.90% dividend yield and a track-record of strong growth over the past five years. The S.A.F.E. status can only be achieved if all of the four marks –S for “solid return,” A for “accelerating amount,” F for “flawless 5-year track-record,” and E for “enduring”– come above average.
Ultimately, I remain very optimistic about Teva. The stock trades at only 7.3 times forward earnings and is more than 60% less volatile than the broader market. Free cash flow yield is strong at 7.3%, and the firm is expected to show 8.9% annual EPS growth over the next five years, which is relatively predictable. Combined with the dividend yield, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:TEVA) is a winning stock for defensive investors.
Will Mylan Inc. (NASDAQ:MYL) continue to soar?
Mylan Inc. (NASDAQ:MYL) is yet another company that has had difficulties but managed to correct them. Operational scaling — like expanding internationally by opening a new arm in Ireland — has strengthened upside prospects. The result is that the generic manufacturer has been on a relentless 50%+ rise to its 52-week high. Thus, it too provides a perfect case study for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:TEVA) turnaround executives.
The company has, however, run into its share of problems. The company is now facing a lawsuit from Santarus, which filed a patent infringement lawsuit for its Fenoglide tablets product. The reason for this lawsuit was the ANDA Mylan signed to create generic versions of Santarus’ product, but Fenoglide is still under a patent protection until 2024.
