Amgen Option Alert: Apr 17 $295 Puts at the Ask: 2000 vs 621 OI; Earnings 5/1 After Close [est] 

Amgen Option Alert: Apr 17 $295 Puts at the Ask: 2000 @ $3.0 vs 621 OI; Earnings 5/1 After Close [est] Ref=$305.57

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) Bolsa

AMGEN INC

Amgen

Amgen is a leader in biotechnology-based human therapeutics. Flagship drugs include red blood cell boosters Epogen and Aranesp, immune system boosters Neupogen and Neulasta, and Enbrel and Otezla for inflammatory diseases. Amgen introduced its first cancer therapeutic, Vectibix, in 2006 and markets bone-strengthening drugs Prolia/Xgeva (approved 2010) and Evenity (2019). The acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals bolstered the firm's therapeutic oncology portfolio with Kyprolis. Recent launches include Repatha (cholesterol-lowering), Aimovig (migraine), Lumakras (lung cancer), and Tezspire (asthma). The 2023 Horizon acquisition brought several rare-disease drugs, including thyroid eye disease drug Tepezza. Amgen also has a growing biosimilar portfolio.

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Trump anuncia una orden ejecutiva para reducir precios de medicamentos hasta un 80 %, aplicando la política de &#34;Nación Más Favorecida&#34;.

Trump firma orden ejecutiva histórica para reducir precios de medicamentos en EE. UU.

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Amgen Inc

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has been actively buying stocks in 2025 and is back with more than a dozen more trades less than two weeks after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/05/45272436/marjorie-taylor-greene-goes-stock-shopping-again-here-are-50-stocks-the-congresswoman-bought">her last disclosure.</a>
Here's the latest transactions made by the congresswoman in May.
What Happened: Greene ranks 24th among the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42860759/10-best-stock-traders-in-congress-in-2024-where-do-nancy-pelosi-pete-sessions-susan-collins-marjorie-taylor-greene-rank">best-performing members</a> of Congress based on their trades in 2024. The Congresswoman gained 30.2% for the year, outperforming the S&amp;P 500 gain of 24.9%.
Greene recently disclosed over 50 new stock trades in early May, which came on top of some potentially perfectly timed trades that happened before President Donald Trump&#8217;s pause of tariffs, which sent the market soaring.
Here are Greene&#8217;s most recent trades made on May 14, per the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/members/marjorie-taylor-greene" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Government Trades page</a>. All purchases made were listed as between $1,001 to $15,000 unless otherwise indicated.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>): $15,000 to $50,000</li>
<li>Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>)</li>
<li>Amgen Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>)</li>
<li>Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)</li>
<li>Blackstone (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BX#NYSE">BX</a>)</li>
<li>Cardinal Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAH#NYSE">CAH</a>)</li>
<li>Chevron Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>)</li>
<li>Corning Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLW#NYSE">GLW</a>)</li>
<li>Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>)</li>
<li>Eli Lilly (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>)</li>
<li>Impinj Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PI#NASDAQ">PI</a>)</li>
<li>MercadoLibre Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MELI#NASDAQ">MELI</a>): $15,000 to $50,000</li>
<li>Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>)</li>
<li>Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>)</li>
<li>NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)</li>
<li>ServiceNow (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>)</li>
<li>Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)</li>
<li>The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>)</li>
</ul>
Greene also disclosed buying an additional $1,000 to $15,000 in UnitedHealth stock on May 16. The Congresswoman also disclosed buying $100,000 to $250,000 in US Treasury Bills on May 16.
Greene has bought $2.82 million in stocks in 2025 according to <a href="https://www.quiverquant.com/congresstrading/politician/Marjorie%20Taylor%20Greene-G000596">data </a>from Quiver Quantitative with only $75,000 in stock sales. The Congresswoman bought $3.89 million in stocks in 2024 with $65,000 in sales.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/05/45449720/speaker-johnson-backs-congressional-stock-trading-ban-ruined-by-a-few-bad-actors">Speaker Johnson Backs Congressional Stock Trading Ban: Ruined By &#8216;A Few Bad Actors&#8217;</a>
Why It&#8217;s Important: Members of Congress are allowed to buy and sell stocks as long as they properly disclose the transaction.
The process has drawn scrutiny from the public and retail investors as members of Congress could have inside information and time their trades accordingly. Committee assignments in particular, often draw red flags from investors.
Greene serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the House Committee on Homeland Security with several subcommittee appointments. The congresswoman&#8217;s past trade in technology and cybersecurity stocks has drawn attention with her role within Homeland Security.
Greene's past trades of Palantir Technologies and a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44255172/marjorie-taylor-greene-buys-more-bitcoin-etf-shares-ahead-of-trumps-strategic-reserve-executive-order" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Bitcoin ETF&nbsp;</a>have drawn criticism along with the timing of her trades, as she is a close ally to President&nbsp;Donald Trump.
When asked previously about buying stocks earlier this year that soared days later after Trump announced a pause to tariffs, Greene<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/04/44852406/marjorie-taylor-greene-brushes-off-stock-buying-criticism-says-portfolio-manager-bought-the-dip" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;brushed aside the criticism.</a>
"I think that criticism is laughable. President Trump has been talking about tariffs for decades," Greene told reporters when asked about the trades at a recent town hall event in Georgia in a clip&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/unusual_whales/status/1912456434081480777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared&nbsp;</a>by Unusual Whales. The congresswoman used the opportunity to boast about her stock performance, which ranked her as one of the top trading members of Congress in 2024.
"I don't place my buys and sells,&#8221; Greene said, citing an agreement she has with her portfolio manager, who handles all the buying and selling of stocks. "He did a great job. Guess what he did. He bought the dip. And that's what anybody that has financial sense does.&#8221;
Greene also said her portfolio manager did not have inside information, everything was public and a potential tariff pause wasn't a secret.
Sen.&nbsp;Josh Hawley&nbsp;(R-Mo.) has reintroduced legislation that would ban members of Congress from trading or holding individual stocks.
The bill is known as the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments Act, or PELOSI Act based on the first letter of each of the main words. The name takes aim at the congresswoman and former Speaker of the House&nbsp;Nancy Pelosi&nbsp;(D-Calif.). &nbsp;
"Members of Congress should be fighting for the people they were elected to serve — not day trading at the expense of their constituents," Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-reintroduces-pelosi-act-to-ban-congress-from-trading-stocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>. "Americans have seen politician after politician turn a profit using information not available to the general public."
Hawley said the bill will help "restore Americans' trust in our nation's legislative body."
Hawley's bill is being reintroduced as President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://time.com/7280114/donald-trump-2025-interview-transcript/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said&nbsp;</a>he would support such a ban.
"Well, I watched Nancy Pelosi get rich through insider information, and I would be okay with it. If they send it to me, I would do it," Trump told TIME.
Trump said he would sign the ban if the bill passes Congress.
While Pelosi makes headlines for her trades, it's important to remember that<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/04/44852406/marjorie-taylor-greene-brushes-off-stock-buying-criticism-says-portfolio-manager-bought-the-dip" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;it is both Republican</a>&nbsp;and Democratic members of Congress who are profiting from buying and selling stocks and options while in office, with some trades coming with questionable timing or having a connection to committees they serve on.
In 2024, a list of the top-performing traders in Congress included six Republicans and four Democrats.
Did You Know?
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent052025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent052025"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="330" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20135920/Picture1-5-1024x330.png" alt="" class="wp-image-921773" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20135920/Picture1-5-1024x330.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20135920/Picture1-5-300x97.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20135920/Picture1-5-768x248.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20135920/Picture1-5.png 1430w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
Image: Shutterstock

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Marjorie Taylor Greene Goes Shopping For Tesla, Netflix, UnitedHealth And More: 19 Stocks The Congresswoman Bought

Guggenheim analyst Vamil Divan assumes Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) with a Neutral rating and announces Price Target of $288.

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Guggenheim Assumes Amgen at Neutral, Announces Price Target of $288

On May 12, President Donald Trump followed through on a campaign promise by signing an Executive Order (EO) mandating that pharmaceutical companies lower their prescription drug prices in the US to those seen abroad.
At a media event, Trump told reporters he was aiming for price cuts of between 59% and 90% and gave drug companies 30 days to play ball.
Wall Street digested the news, and while major biopharma stocks saw share prices drop the day the EO was announced, most industry stocks rebounded.&nbsp;
Here are three pharma stocks that won&#8217;t just rebound, but are poised to soar because of Trump&#8217;s executive order.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Team Trump on Solid Ground?</h1>
Nobody&#8217;s denying that US drug prices are out of whack. A 2024 RAND Corporation study concluded US drug prices were approximately three times higher than those in 33 other developed countries.
Presidents have full power to order such a price cut from a private industry, at least in part.
&#8220;That&#8217;s especially the case in sectors like healthcare where government programs like Medicare are massive buyers,&#8221; said Lou Carter, founder and CEO at the Best Practice Institute in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. &#8220;Policy isn&#8217;t just about law—it&#8217;s about leverage. This EO uses the weight of public programs to force pricing accountability, and that&#8217;s smart business when you&#8217;re managing taxpayer funds.&#8221;
Congress and the courts can try to stop the EO in its tracks, but success on that front is unlikely.&nbsp;
&#8220;Politically, it&#8217;s tough to argue against lower drug prices,&#8221; Carter said. &#8220;Even if pharma lobbies hard, most lawmakers know it&#8217;s political suicide to oppose something that helps seniors afford insulin. If this goes to court, it&#8217;ll hinge on procedural questions—not on whether the move is popular or right.&#8221;
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Bigger Drug Makers are Hardest Hit</h1>
Given the size and scope of the EO, it&#8217;s no surprise that the more substantial drug companies may find themselves in financial trouble.&nbsp;
&#8220;Large-cap biotech and specialty pharma companies with heavy Medicare exposure like Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) or Regeneron (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REGN#NASDAQ">REGN</a>) could be hit hardest,&#8221; said Dr. Will Soliman, Founder and CEO of the New York City-based Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs. &#8220;They rely on high-margin (Medicare) Part B drugs.&#8221;
Vertical-oriented drug makers could also feel the heat from the EO.&nbsp;
&#8220;Specialized oncology manufacturers like Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>) have greater exposure than diversified pharmaceutical companies with broader portfolio ranges,&#8221; said Seann Malloy, founder and managing partner of Malloy Law Offices in Bethesda, Md. &#8220;Small to mid-cap biotechnology companies with early commercial products often fall outside immediate impact zones due to limited Medicare utilization and existing price protection provisions. &#8220;
&#8220;The executive order&#8217;s key element mandates that Medicare&#8217;s prescription drug payments align with the lowest prices in other developed countries, essentially using international reference pricing,&#8221; Malloy said. &#8220;While some demonstration projects will start within 30 days, full implementation across all provisions will take longer, likely 6-12 months, due to necessary regulatory development. &#8220;
Timing could play a big role in determining how much of an impact the EO will have on biotech drug stocks, if any.
Initially, the order focuses on physician-administered drugs under Medicare Part B but may later include retail prescriptions under Part D. &#8220;This staged implementation means the immediate and long-term market effects will differ, a point often missed by investors,&#8221; Malloy noted. &#8220;Despite initial impressions of swift price changes, significant revenue impacts will likely be delayed by extensive regulatory procedures.&#8221;
Additionally, overseas drug providers may face stiff headwinds from the Trump drug price directive.
&#8220;International manufacturers are most vulnerable,&#8221; said Javier Palomarez, founder and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council. &#8220;Many of them ship to the United States because of the return on investment &#8211; eroding that return dampens the incentive and ability to ship medicines across the world, which could lead to total loss of US market access for some companies.&#8221;
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Three Drug Stocks That Bear Watching Over the Next 30 Days</h1>
Biotech investors looking to leverage the Trump EO should understand Trump&#8217;s intention to &#8220;cut out the middleman,&#8221; as he said in his May 12 press event. This translates to good news for actual drug manufacturers and not-so-good news for so-called pharmacy-benefit managers.
PBM&#8217;s act as intermediaries between health insurance companies, big employers, drug manufacturers, insurers, and patients. While they don&#8217;t produce prescription drugs, they handle the more mundane side of the drug business, like claims processing and negotiating prescription drug prices.
The big drug producers have historically blamed the PBMs for sky-high drug prices and would likely back any initiative that expands the direct-to-consumer drug marketplace. In that scenario, no insurers are needed, as drug consumers could deal directly with drug manufacturers to buy the medicines they need, presumably at a more affordable price.
Investors in that marketplace would want large drug makers, and big PBMs would not. These three drug stocks stand out on the plus side.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Eli Lilly</h2>
Drug manufacturing giant Eli Lilly (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) is priced high at $730 per share, but it&#8217;s a stock that would likely prosper in a direct-to-consumer prescription drug marketplace. The stock is off by 5.0% year-to-date, but 26 Wall Street analysts who track LLY give it a top rating. The company&#8217;s recent earnings per share are off the charts, with an upward spike of 106% in EPS in 2024 and an estimated 68% in 2025. The stock is off 20% compared to recent highs, which could mean a nice discount for a drug industry stalwart.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Novo Nordisk</h2>
Novo Nordisk (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) has experienced market woes that preceded the Trump E/O, as competitors continue to chew into market share in the lucrative weight loss drug market. Particularly damaging was a recent study that concluded patients taking Eli Lilly&#8217;s Zepbound were losing weight faster than with Novo&#8217;s Wegovy. That&#8217;s one big reason Novo Nordisk has seen its share price fall by 50% over the past year. Yet the stock is in rebound mode right now, up 13.9% over the past month. A $2.2 billion deal between Novo and Septerna (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SEPN#NASDAQ">SEPN</a>) to develop weight loss pills is seen as a big step by analysts and big names like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan are sticking to their buy calls on the stock. Meanwhile, a larger group of industry analysts is out with a consensus 50% share price upside from current levels.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AbbVie</h2>
AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) is a genuine cash flow producer that seems immune to any political interference from Washington, D.C. The drug manufacturer has a diverse set of popular prescription drugs, like Botox, Humira, Rinvoq, and Skyrizi. The stock only fell by a paltry 1% on the E news this week, and is up 5% over the past month. It also comes with a healthy 3.6% dividend for income-minded investors, a robust drug pipeline in play, and a brand new regulatory &#8220;green light&#8221; for its lung cancer drug Emrelis, supporting the rationale that ABBV shares should continue to climb in 2025.
<a href="https://benzinga.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OJ2FBspHSJSSVNlW8zGapw/?utm_campaign=webinar052025&amp;utm_adType=sponsorad&amp;utm_ad=RD051925/?el=ResearchDaily&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}&amp;utm_medium=newsletter">Smart Options Plays for Traders Watching Junk Bonds</a> Credit markets are breaking down. Volatility is back. Join Ryan Faloona, Anne-Marie Baiynd, and Tim Melvin live on May 20 at 6 PM ET to see how seasoned traders are using junk bond signals and short-term options to hedge, profit, and stay a step ahead. <a href="https://benzinga.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OJ2FBspHSJSSVNlW8zGapw/?utm_campaign=webinar052025&amp;utm_adType=sponsorad&amp;utm_ad=RD051925/?el=ResearchDaily&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}&amp;utm_medium=newsletter">Save your seat for this live tactical session.</a>
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3 Stocks That Will Profit From Trump's Drug Price Cut

Piper Sandler analyst David Amsellem maintains Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $329 to $328.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Amgen, Lowers Price Target to $328

The stock of Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) is trading higher on Thursday. But along with the rest of the healthcare sector, it is still in a steep downtrend. The news regarding <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45443695/why-is-unitedhealth-stock-trading-lower-on-thursday">potential fraud at</a> UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NASDAQ">UNH</a>) has put pressure on the entire sector.
But there is a good chance that Amgen finds a bottom soon. It may even reverse and head higher. This is why we have named it our Stock of the Day.
The shares are oversold.
The lower part of the chart is the Stochastics Momentum Indicator. If the blue line is below the lower horizontal red line, it indicates oversold conditions. As you can see, that is the case now.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="560" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15151751/AMGN-1024x560.png" alt="" class="wp-image-917099" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15151751/AMGN-1024x560.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15151751/AMGN-300x164.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15151751/AMGN-768x420.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15151751/AMGN.png 1488w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
This means that the shares have been aggressively sold and are trading below their typical or normal range. This could draw buyers into the market.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45435725/tariffs-slow-retail-spending-as-producer-prices-post-sharpest-drop-since-2020">Tariffs Slow Retail Spending As Producer Prices Post Sharpest Drop Since 2020</a>
Many trading strategies are based on the concept of reversion to the mean. This means buyers will be anticipating a reversal or move higher and their buying may become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The shares are also getting close to a potential support level.
$255.50 was support in March 2023. It was also support in December 2024. Price levels that had previously been support can become so again because of trader and investor psychology.
Sometimes, people who sell shares while a stock is at a support level come to regret their decision to do so if the price rallies after. Many decide that if they eventually can, they will buy their shares back at the same price they sold them for.
As a result, if the stock eventually reverses and drops back to the support level, they place buy orders. If there are enough of them it will create support at the price again.
This is what happened with Amgen. If it continues to trend lower there is a good chance that it finds support at this important price again.
There is also a good chance that it rallies and reverses off of this level for a third time.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45436534/walmart-doesnt-alter-annual-outlook-yet-ceo-says-all-tariffs-create-cost-pressures-but-china-has-biggest-impact">Walmart Doesn&#8217;t Alter Annual Outlook Yet, CEO Says &#8216;All Tariffs Create Cost Pressures But China Has Biggest Impact&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
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Technicals

Stock Of The Day: Amgen Slips With Healthcare Sector, But Signals Point To A Reversal

WIIM

Shares of pharmaceutical stocks are trading lower. The sector may down on continued weakness amid President Trump's drug pricing executive order.

The Founder, CEO, and CIO of Ark Invest, Cathie Wood, has highlighted the rising applications of artificial intelligence and how it is poised to impact not only autonomous taxi networks and humanoid robots but also the health care space.
What Happened: According to ARK's proprietary Multiomics Flywheel, Wood highlighted in her recent X post that autonomous taxi networks and humanoid robots are likely to be the largest AI applications during the next five and ten years, respectively; however, &#8220;health care is likely to be the most profound.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">While autonomous taxi networks and humanoid robots are likely to be the largest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AI</a> applications during the next five and ten years, respectively, health care is likely to be the most profound. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/NMDespotARK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMDespotARK</a> for thought leadership in the multiomics space! <a href="https://t.co/C33JfypivU">https://t.co/C33JfypivU</a>
&mdash; Cathie Wood (@CathieDWood) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathieDWood/status/1921291392271167893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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The post shared by Ark&#8217;s multiomics analyst, Nemo M Despot, underscored that &#8220;AI is powering a self-reinforcing loop that accelerates every aspect of multiomics—from generating biological data, to diagnosing diseases, to developing new drugs and cures.&#8221;
Multiomics is a biological analysis approach that integrates data from multiple &#8220;omic&#8221; fields, like genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, to gain an understanding of biological systems.
This integrated approach helps researchers uncover complex relationships, identify biomarkers, and ultimately understand the mechanisms behind disease and other biological processes.
He also highlights that companies like Twist Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TWST#NASDAQ">TWST</a>), Tempus AI Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEM#NASDAQ">TEM</a>), 10X Genomics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXG#NASDAQ">TXG</a>), and Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILMN#NASDAQ">ILMN</a>) are developing increasingly powerful tools to sequence and analyze DNA faster and more cost-effectively.
Despot stated that AI-powered molecular diagnostics are transforming early disease detection and enabling precise stratification of individual patient biological profiles.
&#8220;AI leverages data from multiomic tools and diagnostics to design more effective drugs, delivering results with higher success rates more quickly and less expensively,&#8221; he said.
According to him, these next-generation therapies are:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Approximately 20 times more valuable than standard drugs.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Two to four times more effective than even today's best-in-class precision medicine.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The new cures can address even rare diseases economically.</li>
</ul>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45340465/bill-ackman-slams-subsidies-for-contributing-to-37-trillion-national-debt-hails-trumps-drug-price-order">Bill Ackman Slams Subsidies For Contributing To $37 Trillion National Debt, Hails Trump&#8217;s Drug Price Order</a>
Why It Matters: Trump, in a Truth Social post, said that he will <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45339399/trump-says-prescription-drug-prices-set-to-drop-by-30-to-80-almost-immediately-thanks-to-most-favored-nation-plan-mark-cuban-urges-president-to-force-tran">sign an executive order</a> on Monday at 9:00 a.m. ET, which will lead the prescription drug and pharmaceutical prices to drop by 30% to 80%.
&#8220;They will rise throughout the World in order to equalize and, for the first time in many years, bring FAIRNESS TO AMERICA! I will be instituting a MOST FAVORED NATION'S POLICY whereby the United States will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World,&#8221; he added.
Trump also believes that healthcare costs in the U.S. will be reduced after this move, and it would save &#8220;trillions of dollars.&#8221;
This action by Trump is anticipated to most significantly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45341590/trumps-drug-pricing-executive-order-could-rattle-pharma-stocksprice-cuts-up-to-80">affect Medicare Part B drugs</a>, primarily outpatient prescriptions and biological products, as their prices are directly controlled by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS).
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Drug Name</th>
<th>Manufacturer(s)</th>
<th>Total Spending</th>
<th>Primary Use</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Keytruda</td>
<td>Merck &amp; Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) 
<path d="M12 8c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2s-.9-2-2-2-2 .9-2 2 .9 2 2 2zm0 2c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2s.9 2 2 2 2-.9 2-2-.9-2-2-2zm0 6c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2s.9 2 2 2 2-.9 2-2-.9-2-2-2z"></path>
<div jsname="ntFePb" class="GRl5yb a8pxAe" style="max-height: 120px; visibility: inherit;"></div>
<div></div>
</td>
<td>$4.0B</td>
<td>Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eylea</td>
<td>Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REGN#NASDAQ">REGN</a>)</td>
<td>$3.4B</td>
<td>Macular degeneration</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Prolia/Xgeva</td>
<td>Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>)</td>
<td>$2.1B</td>
<td>Osteoporosis, bone metastases</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Opdivo</td>
<td>Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>)</td>
<td>$2.0B</td>
<td>Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Darzalex</td>
<td>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>)</td>
<td>$1.9B</td>
<td>Multiple myeloma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Avastin</td>
<td>Roche Holdings AG&nbsp;(OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTCQX">RHHBY</a>)</td>
<td>$1.8B</td>
<td>Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Price Action: The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, rose in premarket on Monday. The SPY was up 2.78% to $564.34, while the QQQ advanced 3.75% to $506.26, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
On Friday, the SPY was down 0.13% to $564.34, while the QQQ declined 0.066% to $487.97
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45341850/economists-warn-of-empty-shelves-if-goods-stop-coming-from-china-amid-falling-inventory-to-sales-ratio-and-potential-tariffs">Economists Warn Of &#8216;Empty Shelves&#8217; If Goods Stop Coming From China Amid Falling Inventory-To-Sales Ratio And Potential Tariffs </a></li>
</ul>
Photo Courtesy: PeopleImages- Yuri A On Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Market Summary

Futures

General

ILMN

TWST

Cathie Wood Says AI Innovation In Healthcare Will Be More 'Profound' Than Autonomous Taxi Networks, Humanoid Robots

On Sunday, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he plans to sign what he called the &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45339399/trump-says-prescription-drug-prices-set-to-drop-by-30-to-80-almost-immediately-thanks-to-most-favored-nation-plan-mark-cuban-urges-president-to-force-tran">most consequential executive order</a>&#8221; in U.S. history, aimed at lowering prescription drug prices.
What Happened: Trump said the executive order, set to be signed at 9 a.m. Monday, will implement a &#8220;Most Favored Nations&#8221; policy requiring pharmaceutical companies to charge U.S. consumers no more than the lowest price they offer for the same drug in any other country.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45338985/trump-reportedly-set-to-accept-flying-palace-from-qatar-white-house-says-lavish-gift-of-boeing-jumbo-jet-complies-with-all-applicable-laws">Trump Reportedly Set To Accept &#8216;Flying Palace&#8217; From Qatar, White House Says Lavish Gift Of Boeing Jumbo Jet Complies With &#8216;All Applicable Laws&#8217;</a>
Accusing pharmaceutical companies of overcharging American consumers, sometimes &#8220;five to ten times more&#8221; than patients in other countries, Trump slammed political opponents for enabling the status quo all these years.
Trump says that prescription drug prices will be reduced by &#8220;30% to 80%,&#8221; while rising throughout the world, to equalize and &#8220;bring fairness to America.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This move is expected to have the biggest impact on Medicare Part B drugs, which mainly constitute outpatient prescriptions and biologicals, the prices for which are directly managed by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS).
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Drug Name</th>
<th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Manufacturer(s)</th>
<th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Total Spending</th>
<th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Primary Use</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Keytruda</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Merck &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$4.0B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Eylea</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REGN#NASDAQ">REGN</a>) </td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$3.4B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Macular degeneration</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Prolia/Xgeva</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$2.1B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Osteoporosis, bone metastases</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Opdivo</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>) </td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$2.0B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Darzalex</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$1.9B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Multiple myeloma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Avastin</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Roche Holdings AG (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTC">RHHBY</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$1.8B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A breakdown of the top Medicare Part B drugs by spending in 2023, based on the latest data shared by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS).</figcaption></figure>
These are the stocks that are most likely to be hit by this announcement when markets open on Monday, given their sizable exposure to Medicare, especially being classified as Part B. 
According to a report by the Rand Corporation, a California-based policy think-tank, prescription drug prices in the U.S. are, on average, at least 2.78 times higher than other countries.
While Trump&#8217;s move is being criticized by the likes of crypto enthusiast Ed Krassenstein, calling it &#8220;just another Trump lie,&#8221; saying that an executive order can steer Medicare and Medicaid payments, but <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45339399/trump-says-prescription-drug-prices-set-to-drop-by-30-to-80-almost-immediately-thanks-to-most-favored-nation-plan-mark-cuban-urges-president-to-force-tran">cannot force manufacturers</a> to cut prices. 
Others, such as billionaire investor Mark Cuban, have come out in support of the move, saying that it can &#8220;force transparency,&#8221; even if the President cannot force price cuts.
Drug pricing disparities have been a point of contention across the political spectrum. Recently, Novo Nordisk A/S&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/09/40986953/novo-nordisk-ceo-to-face-senate-scrutiny-over-high-ozempic-and-wegovy-prices-hearing-scheduled-on">faced Senate scrutiny</a> on these vast differences, where he was targeted by Sen.&nbsp;Bernie Sanders&nbsp;(I-Vt.) for the high price of the company&#8217;s diabetes drug, Ozempic. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="135" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM-1024x135.png" alt="" class="wp-image-911404" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM-1024x135.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM-300x40.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM-768x101.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM-1536x202.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM.png 1594w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Novo Nordisk shares have an unfavorable price trend in the short, medium, and long term, but how does it compare with peers such as Johnson &amp; Johnson, Amgen, and Roche? Sign up for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Benzinga Edge</a> to find out.
Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer and J&amp;J were trading at least 3% lower in Monday premarket. 
Photo Courtesy: create jobs 51 On Shutterstock.com
Read More: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45339784/mohamed-el-erian-warns-us-china-deal-reveals-americas-fear-of-empty-shelves-as-markets-rally-on-trade-optimism-peter-schiff-skeptical-without-renminbi-revaluation">Mohamed El-Erian Warns US-China Deal Reveals &#8216;America&#8217;s Fear Of Empty Shelves&#8217; As Markets Rally On Trade Optimism, Peter Schiff Skeptical Without Renminbi Revaluation</a></li>
</ul>

Trump's New Drug Pricing Executive Order Could Rattle Pharma Stocks, With Price Cuts Of Up To 80%: Novo Nordisk, Pfizer And J&J Fall In Premarket

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with AMGN, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 19 uncommon options trades for Amgen.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 26% bullish and 68%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 13 are puts, for a total amount of $1,826,748, and 6 are calls, for a total amount of $452,930.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $250.0 to $315.0 for Amgen over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Amgen's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Amgen's whale trades within a strike price range from $250.0 to $315.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Amgen Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1746641003_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$21.65</td>
<td>$21.15</td>
<td>$21.65</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$433.0K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td align="right">404</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$9.45</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$9.37</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$421.6K</td>
<td>755</td>
<td align="right">451</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$20.8</td>
<td>$20.2</td>
<td>$20.8</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$257.9K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td align="right">204</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$20.6</td>
<td>$20.3</td>
<td>$20.6</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$195.7K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td align="right">499</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$20.25</td>
<td>$19.3</td>
<td>$20.25</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$155.9K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td align="right">77</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Amgen</h3>
Amgen is a leader in biotechnology-based human therapeutics. Flagship drugs include red blood cell boosters Epogen and Aranesp, immune system boosters Neupogen and Neulasta, and Enbrel and Otezla for inflammatory diseases. Amgen introduced its first cancer therapeutic, Vectibix, in 2006 and markets bone-strengthening drugs Prolia/Xgeva (approved 2010) and Evenity (2019). The acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals bolstered the firm's therapeutic oncology portfolio with Kyprolis. Recent launches include Repatha (cholesterol-lowering), Aimovig (migraine), Lumakras (lung cancer), and Tezspire (asthma). The 2023 Horizon acquisition brought several rare-disease drugs, including thyroid eye disease drug Tepezza. Amgen also has a growing biosimilar portfolio.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Amgen, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Current Position of Amgen</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 917,451, the price of AMGN is up by 1.85%, reaching $275.45.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 90 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Amgen</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $312.8.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from RBC Capital keeps a Outperform rating on Amgen with a target price of $320. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from UBS continues to hold a Neutral rating for Amgen, targeting a price of $315. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Mizuho has decided to maintain their Neutral rating on Amgen, which currently sits at a price target of $280. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from UBS keeps a Neutral rating on Amgen with a target price of $319. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Morgan Stanley continues to hold a Equal-Weight rating for Amgen, targeting a price of $330. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Amgen, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

What the Options Market Tells Us About Amgen

<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-approves-teprotumumab-as-the-first-uk-treatment-for-adults-with-moderate-to-severe-thyroid-eye-disease-ted#:~:text=As%20with%20all%20products%2C%20the%20MHRA">https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-approves-teprotumumab-as-the-first-uk-treatment-for-adults-with-moderate-to-severe-thyroid-eye-disease-ted#:~:text=As%20with%20all%20products%2C%20the%20MHRA</a>
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 7 May 2025, approved teprotumumab (Tepezza). This is the first medicine to be licensed in the UK for adult patients with moderate to severe Thyroid Eye Disease (TED).&nbsp;
TED is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the muscles and fat around the eyes.&nbsp; In TED, the immune system activates a protein called IGF-1R, causing inflammation and swelling in these tissues. Tepezza is designed to bind to IGF-1R to block its activation and signalling.&nbsp;
This medicine is administered via an intravenous drip directly into a vein by a healthcare professional.

Biotech

MHRA Approves Teprotumumab As The First UK Treatment For Adults With Moderate To Severe Thyroid Eye Disease

Matthew C Busch, VP at Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), executed a substantial insider sell on May 7, according to an SEC filing.
What Happened: A Form 4 filing from the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000318154/000112760225013526//Archives/edgar/data/318154/000112760225013526/0001127602-25-013526-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Wednesday showed that Busch sold 1,000 shares of Amgen. The total transaction amounted to $279,690. 
As of Wednesday morning, Amgen shares are up by 0.55%, currently priced at $271.94.
<h3>About Amgen</h3>
Amgen is a leader in biotechnology-based human therapeutics. Flagship drugs include red blood cell boosters Epogen and Aranesp, immune system boosters Neupogen and Neulasta, and Enbrel and Otezla for inflammatory diseases. Amgen introduced its first cancer therapeutic, Vectibix, in 2006 and markets bone-strengthening drugs Prolia/Xgeva (approved 2010) and Evenity (2019). The acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals bolstered the firm's therapeutic oncology portfolio with Kyprolis. Recent launches include Repatha (cholesterol-lowering), Aimovig (migraine), Lumakras (lung cancer), and Tezspire (asthma). The 2023 Horizon acquisition brought several rare-disease drugs, including thyroid eye disease drug Tepezza. Amgen also has a growing biosimilar portfolio.
<h3>Amgen's Financial Performance</h3>
Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, Amgen showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 9.43% as of 31 March, 2025. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Health Care sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Profitability Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company faces challenges with a low gross margin of 63.58%, suggesting potential difficulties in cost control and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Amgen's EPS lags behind the industry average, indicating concerns and potential challenges with a current EPS of 3.22.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Amgen's debt-to-equity ratio is notably higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 9.24, the company relies more heavily on borrowed funds, indicating a higher level of financial risk.
In-Depth Valuation Examination:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Amgen's P/E ratio of 24.65 is below the industry average, suggesting the stock may be undervalued.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: The P/S ratio of 4.3 is lower than the industry average, implying a discounted valuation for Amgen's stock in relation to sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): With a below-average EV/EBITDA ratio of 12.69, Amgen presents an opportunity for value investors. This lower valuation may attract investors seeking undervalued opportunities.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization: Positioned above industry average, the company's market capitalization underscores its superiority in size, indicative of a strong market presence.
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<h3>Unmasking the Significance of Insider Transactions</h3>
In the complex landscape of investment decisions, investors should approach insider transactions as part of a comprehensive analysis, considering various elements.
When discussing legal matters, the term "insider" refers to any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, as stipulated in Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and significant hedge funds. Such insiders are required to report their transactions through a Form 4 filing, which must be completed within two business days of the transaction.
A new purchase by a company insider is a indication that they anticipate the stock will rise.
On the other hand, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors.
<h3>Unlocking the Meaning of Transaction Codes</h3>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">Investors</a> prefer focusing on transactions that take place in the open market, indicated in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while S indicates a sale. Transaction code C indicates the conversion of an option, and transaction code A indicates grant, award or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000318154">Check Out The Full List Of Amgen's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

VP Of Amgen Sold $279K In Stock

BeiGene Ltd.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONC#NASDAQ">ONC</a>) stock is trading lower after the company reported mixed first-quarter 2025 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/05/b45246808/beigene-announces-first-quarter-2025-financial-results-and-business-updates" rel="noreferrer noopener">financial results on Wednesday</a>.
The Chinese biotech reported adjusted earnings per ADS of $1.22, a turnaround from a loss of $(1.40), beating the consensus loss of 74 cents.
Revenue&nbsp;for the first quarter of 2025 was $1.12 billion, compared to $752 million a year ago, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">in line with the consensus estimate</a>, driven primarily by growth in Brukinsa product sales in the U.S. and Europe.
<ul>
<li>The U.S. continued to be the company&#8217;s largest market, with product revenue of $563 million compared to $351 million in the prior-year period.</li>
<li>In-licensed products from Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) and TEVIMBRA also contributed to product revenue growth.</li>
<li>U.S. sales of Brukinsa totaled $563 million in the first quarter of 2025, representing growth of 60% over the prior-year period driven primarily by demand, with more than 60% of the quarter-over-quarter growth coming from expanded use in CLL as Brukinsa continued to gain share as the leader in new patient starts in the U.S. in CLL and all other approved indications</li>
<li>Brukinsa sales in Europe totaled $116 million, up 73%.</li>
<li>Sales of TEVIMBRA totaled $171 million, up 18%.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44630279/beigene-discontinues-lung-cancer-drug-study-after-interim-data-showed-limited-survival-benefit" rel="noreferrer noopener">BeiGene Discontinues Lung Cancer Drug Study After Interim Data Showed Limited Survival Benefit</a>
Gross margin for the first quarter of 2025 was 85.1% compared to 83.3%, increasing due to a proportionally higher sales mix of global Brukinsa than other products in the portfolio. Gross margins also benefited from cost-of-sales productivity improvements for Brukinsa and TEVIMBRA.
On an adjusted basis, gross margin increased to 85.5% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 83.7% in the prior year.
R&amp;D Expenses&nbsp;increased 5% to $481.9 million, primarily due to advancing preclinical programs into the clinic and early clinical programs into late-stage.
SG&amp;A Expenses increased 7% to $459.3 million due to continued investment in Brukinsa&#8217;s global commercial expansion, primarily in the U.S. and Europe.
Guidance: BeiGene reaffirmed fiscal 2025 sales guidance of $4.90 billion—$5.3 billion, compared to the consensus of $5.09 billion.
Due to mix and production efficiencies compared to 2024, gross margin is expected to be in the mid-80% range.
In April, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rendered a Final Written Decision invalidating all claims of Pharmacyclics&#8217; U.S. Patent No. 11,672,803 concerning Brukinsa that BeiGene challenged in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/b45081318/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office-invalidates-pharmacyclics-patent-asserted-against-beigene" rel="noreferrer noopener">post-grant review proceeding</a>.
The USPTO&#8217;s Final Written Decision is appealable by Pharmacyclics.
Price Action: At the last check on Wednesday, ONC stock was down 4.90% at $229.91 during the premarket session.
Read Next:
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</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Earnings

Guidance

Movers

Chinese Biotech BeiGene Stock Falls Despite Strong Brukinsa Sales And Earnings Beat

During the last three months, 7 analysts shared their evaluations of Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), revealing diverse outlooks from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a concise overview of recent ratings by analysts, offering insights into the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and drawing comparisons with the preceding months for a holistic perspective.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $312.43, along with a high estimate of $330.00 and a low estimate of $280.00. This current average has increased by 3.85% from the previous average price target of $300.86. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1746626432_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown</h2>
The standing of Amgen among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Salim Syed</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$235.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trung Huynh</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$315.00</td>
<td>$319.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gregory Renza</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$324.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colin Bristow</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$319.00</td>
<td>$315.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Terence Flynn</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$330.00</td>
<td>$328.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim Anderson</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underperform</td>
<td>$294.00</td>
<td>$275.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Amsellem</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$329.00</td>
<td>$310.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Amgen. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Offering a comprehensive view, analysts assess stocks qualitatively, spanning from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Amgen compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Understanding forecasts, analysts offer estimates for Amgen's future value. Examining the current and prior targets provides insight into analysts' changing expectations.</li>
</ul>
Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Amgen's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMGN/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Amgen analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Amgen's Background</h2>
Amgen is a leader in biotechnology-based human therapeutics. Flagship drugs include red blood cell boosters Epogen and Aranesp, immune system boosters Neupogen and Neulasta, and Enbrel and Otezla for inflammatory diseases. Amgen introduced its first cancer therapeutic, Vectibix, in 2006 and markets bone-strengthening drugs Prolia/Xgeva (approved 2010) and Evenity (2019). The acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals bolstered the firm's therapeutic oncology portfolio with Kyprolis. Recent launches include Repatha (cholesterol-lowering), Aimovig (migraine), Lumakras (lung cancer), and Tezspire (asthma). The 2023 Horizon acquisition brought several rare-disease drugs, including thyroid eye disease drug Tepezza. Amgen also has a growing biosimilar portfolio.
<h3>Amgen: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
Revenue Growth: Amgen's remarkable performance in 3M is evident. As of 31 March, 2025, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 9.43%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Health Care sector.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 21.23%, the company may need to address challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Amgen's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 28.63%, the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): Amgen's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 1.91% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 9.24, caution is advised due to increased financial risk.
<h2>The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know</h2>
Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.
Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Forecasting The Future: 7 Analyst Projections For Amgen

Mizuho analyst Salim Syed maintains Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $235 to $280.

Mizuho Maintains Neutral on Amgen, Raises Price Target to $280

UBS analyst Trung Huynh maintains Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $319 to $315.

UBS Maintains Neutral on Amgen, Lowers Price Target to $315

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) reported first-quarter sales of $8.15 billion on Thursday, up 9% year over year and beating the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $8.06 billion</a>.
<ul>
<li>Product sales grew 11%, primarily driven by 14% volume growth, partially offset by 6% lower net selling price. U.S. sales rose 14%.</li>
<li>Fourteen products delivered at least double-digit sales growth in the first quarter.</li>
<li>The launch of Imdelltra (tarlatamab-dlle) in April 2025 in Japan generated $81 million in sales in the quarter. The Phase 3 confirmatory study demonstrated improved overall survival compared to chemotherapy.</li>
</ul>
Amgen reported adjusted EPS of $4.90, up 24%, beating&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/05/n45149566/amgen-reports-first-quarter-2025-financial-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">the consensus of $4.30</a>.
The company also announced a Phase 1 study of AMG 513, which is enrolling people living with obesity following the removal of the clinical hold by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Guidance: Amgen <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43502578/amgen-impresses-with-q4-earnings-beat-analysts-see-growth-ahead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reaffirms fiscal year 2025</a> revenue of $34.3 billion—$35.7 billion versus a consensus of $35.08 billion. The company expects adjusted EPS of $20-$21.20, compared to a consensus of $20.64.
The company says the guidance includes the estimated impact of implemented tariffs but does not account for any tariffs that could be implemented in the future, including potential sector-specific tariffs.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44795469/sandoz-files-lawsuit-alleging-amgen-illegally-blocked-biosimilar-competition-for-its-blockbuster-arthritis-drug" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandoz Files Lawsuit Alleging Amgen Illegally Blocked Biosimilar Competition For Its Blockbuster Arthritis Drug</a>
Last Friday, Amgen&nbsp;announced a&nbsp;$900 million&nbsp;expansion of its Ohio manufacturing facility, bringing the total number of jobs created to 750 and the total investment in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/n45015233/amgen-announces-900-million-manufacturing-expansion-creation-of-350-new-jobs-in-ohio" rel="noreferrer noopener">Central Ohio&nbsp;to over&nbsp;$1.4 billion</a>.
Since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amgen has invested almost&nbsp;$5 billion&nbsp;in direct capital expenditures in&nbsp;the U.S., generating an additional downstream output to the U.S. economy of approximately&nbsp;$12 billion.
RBC Capital notes that macro and policy topics were absent from the call, likely reflecting the completion of initial concerns. However, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44159237/amgen-challenges-novo-nordisk-and-eli-lilly-as-its-monthly-weight-loss-drug-maritide-enters-two-late-stage-trials" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity was still a key focus</a>.
<ul>
<li>&#8220;We view the path to the potential value-inflection update of MariTide in 2H25 as relatively steady with few polarizing events and the June update at ADA likely incremental,&#8221; analyst Gregory Renza writes.</li>
<li>On Thursday, RBC adjusted the model to reflect the quarterly and fiscal 2025 guidance, lowering the price target from $324 to $320 while maintaining <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMGN/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Outperform rating</a>.</li>
</ul>
Cantor analyst Carter Gould writes, &#8220;Indeed, we expect the near-term clinical catalyst path to be more compelling, with bemarituzumab read-outs on the horizon, Imdelltra data at ASCO in early June, and the MariTide update at ADA in mid-June.&#8221;
<ul>
<li>Cantor notes that Bemarituzumab isn't a major focus for investors right now, but positive data could still give the stock a small boost.</li>
<li>The analyst maintains a Neutral rating and a price target of $305.</li>
</ul>
Goldman Sachs says investors are worried that in a larger Phase 3 trial, which will start patients on lower doses and gradually increase them, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41950871/amgen-defends-its-investigational-monthly-weight-loss-injection-after-analyst-cites-maritides-impact-on-bone-density" rel="noreferrer noopener">MariTide's effectiveness might drop</a> to around 15%–17%—similar to Novo Nordisk A/S&#8216; (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) Wegovy.
<ul>
<li>&#8220;Overall, we view the report as fairly uneventful, and, while we acknowledge the broader policy overhangs for the sector, we view AMGN as relatively well-positioned and remain constructive as the company continues to execute,&#8221; analyst Salveen Richter writes.</li>
<li>The analyst maintains the Buy rating with a price target of $400.</li>
</ul>
William Blair writes, &#8220;The biggest focus for investors regarding Amgen continues to be the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42189129/amgen-reveals-data-from-closely-watched-monthly-obesity-drug-with-weight-loss-of-up-to-20-at-one-year-and-no-plateau" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">upcoming MariTide results</a> to be presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) meeting.&#8221;
<ul>
<li>Analyst Matt Phipps says, &#8220;Overall, we believe there remains a meaningful opportunity for MariTide given the less frequently administered doses, and see the biggest differentiation for the program as a maintenance regimen given every one to three months.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
Price Action: AMGN stock is down 2.27% at $277.34 at the last check on Friday.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45170300/att-partners-with-prime-fiber-to-expand-fiber-network-in-arizona-and-florida" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AT&amp;T Partners With PRIME FiBER To Expand Fiber Network In Arizona And Florida</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Amgen's Better Than Expected Q1 Earnings Take Backseat As Eyes Are On MariTide Obesity Data

RBC Capital analyst Gregory Renza maintains Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $324 to $320.

RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on Amgen, Lowers Price Target to $320

U.S. stocks powered higher Friday after signs emerged that China may be open to negotiating a resolution to the fentanyl crisis, signaling a potential softening of trade tensions with the U.S. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45172683/wall-street-eyes-9th-straight-day-of-gains-apple-falls-as-chinese-sales-disappoint-whats-driving-markets-friday">and lifting investor sentiment.</a>
Sources close to the Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/china/beijing-weighs-fentanyl-offer-to-u-s-to-start-trade-talks-287cf233">revealed </a>that Wang Xiaohong, China's minister of public security and a senior cabinet member, has been inquiring about what President Donald Trump's team expects from China regarding its role in the production of fentanyl precursors.
The inquiry marks a possible turning point in the long-standing diplomatic standoff between Washington and Beijing.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Markets Cheer Diplomatic Hopes</h3>
The S&amp;P 500 Index jumped 1.5% to 5,685 points, on the way to its ninth straight day of gains and returning to levels last seen in late March.
Since hitting a short-term bottom in April, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) has rallied 17.5%, showcasing the index's strong recovery and renewed investor confidence.
The Nasdaq 100 rose even more aggressively during Friday trading, climbing 1.7% and above 20,100 points, driven by surging tech stocks. The index now trades at highs last seen on March 26.
Small caps staged an even sharper rebound. The Russell 2000 index – tracked by the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) – rallied 2.3% to 2,020 points, erasing losses incurred after the April 2 tariff announcements. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Beijing's Strategy: Leverage Fentanyl To Reset Trade Talks?</h3>
According to people familiar with the matter, China is exploring the possibility of sending Wang Xiaohong to the U.S. or arranging a high-level meeting with U.S. officials in a neutral location. 
The talks are described as fluid, but one consistent thread is that Beijing is seeking reciprocal movement from Washington on tariffs, WSJ reports.
The gesture could open the door to wider negotiations. On Friday, China's Commerce Ministry shifted its tone, stating that it was considering beginning discussions with the U.S. to halt the ongoing trade war. 
This marked a notable departure from its earlier stance, where it demanded that the U.S. first roll back tariffs as a precondition for any dialogue.
The thaw in rhetoric comes at a critical moment for China's economy, which is grappling with a prolonged real estate slump, falling prices and subdued business sentiment. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tech Stocks Lead Friday&#8217;s Rally</h3>
Several large-cap tech names were at the forefront of the Nasdaq's rally. Among the top gainers:
<ul>
<li>DexCom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DXCM#NASDAQ">DXCM</a>) soared 15% to $80.80</li>
<li>AppLovin Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>) gained 8.99% to $304.61</li>
<li>Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>) advanced 6.32% to $122.69</li>
<li>Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ODFL#NASDAQ">ODFL</a>) climbed 5.84% to $159.35</li>
<li>Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) rose 5.7% to $122.83</li>
</ul>
Among the worst performers were:
<ul>
<li>Atlassian Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEAM#NASDAQ">TEAM</a>), down 6.71% to $213.69</li>
<li>Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>), off 5.62% to $221.95</li>
<li>Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), slipping 4% to $204.78</li>
<li>Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), falling 2.53% to $276.59</li>
<li>MercadoLibre Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MELI#NASDAQ">MELI</a>), down 1.46% to $2,261.06</li>
</ul>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45164558/us-adds-177000-jobs-in-april-topping-forecasts-as-economy-navigates-tariff-impact">April Jobs Blow Past Expectations, But Tariff Storm May Be Brewing</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

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Nasdaq 100 Leads Wall Street Rally As China Signals Openness To Fentanyl Talks, Easing Trade Tensions

U.S. stocks advanced across the board by midday Friday, with the S&amp;P 500 eyeing its ninth consecutive day of gains—poised for the longest winning <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">streak since May 2024.</a>
Risk appetite remained firm, underpinned by solid corporate earnings and a stronger-than-expected April jobs report. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 177,000, beating expectations of 130,000 and easing concerns over tariff-related hiring slowdowns.
All eleven S&amp;P 500 sectors traded in positive territory, led slightly by financials over technology. Major indexes have now fully recovered from the declines sparked on April 2, when President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs across trading partners.
The Nasdaq 100 climbed to levels last seen in late March, capping a strong week for tech stocks. Among the Magnificent Seven, all were on pace to close the week higher except Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), which slipped 4% as strong earnings were overshadowed by weaker sales in China.
The U.S. dollar index resumed its decline, pressured by renewed calls from President Trump for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates ahead of next week's policy meeting.
Treasury yields surged following the upbeat jobs data, with the 10-year note jumping 10 basis points to 4.31%, easing recession concerns entering the second quarter.
In commodities, oil prices fell back to $58 per barrel despite Thursday's rally on heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Gold rebounded 0.5%, set to snap a three-day losing streak, while natural gas prices jumped 4.4% to a two-week high.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) edged up 1% to $97,500, marking its fourth straight week of gains.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,009.90</td>
<td>+1.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>20,052.42</td>
<td>+1.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,671.17</td>
<td>+1.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>41,130.34</td>
<td>+0.9%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated by 11:30 a.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) rose 1.2% to $565.03.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) rose 0.9% to $411.29.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;rallied 1.4% to $488.26.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) soared 1.8% to $199.58.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLF#NYSE">XLF</a>) outperformed, up 1.7%; the&nbsp;Consumer Staples&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>) lagged, up 0.3%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
Stocks reacting to earnings reports included: 
<ul>
<li>Apple Inc.: down 4.0%</li>
<li>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>): up 0.2%</li>
<li>Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>): up 0.0%</li>
<li>Chevron Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>): up 0.7%</li>
<li>Eaton Corporation plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ETN#NYSE">ETN</a>): down 2.1%</li>
<li>Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>): down 1.8%</li>
<li>Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>): down 0.5%</li>
<li>Arthur J. Gallagher &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AJG#NYSE">AJG</a>): up 3.5%</li>
<li>Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPWR#NASDAQ">MPWR</a>): up 4.0%</li>
<li>DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DXCM#NASDAQ">DXCM</a>): up 14.2%</li>
<li>Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APO#NYSE">APO</a>): down 1.7%</li>
<li>T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TROW#NASDAQ">TROW</a>): up 3.5%</li>
<li>Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBOE#BATS">CBOE</a>): up 1.2%</li>
<li>Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTD#NYSE">MTD</a>): up 1.4%</li>
<li>Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LYV#NYSE">LYV</a>): up 0.1%</li>
<li>Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSI#NYSE">MSI</a>): down 6.2%</li>
<li>Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABNB#NASDAQ">ABNB</a>): down 0.2%</li>
</ul>
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</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

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Wall Street Eyes 9th Straight Day Of Gains, Apple Falls As Chinese Sales Disappoint: What's Driving Markets Friday?

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Amgen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in AMGN usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 11 extraordinary options activities for Amgen. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 45% leaning bullish and 54% bearish. Among these notable options, 5 are puts, totaling $314,429, and 6 are calls, amounting to $210,119.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $210.0 to $290.0 for Amgen over the recent three months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Amgen stands at 455.0, with a total volume reaching 765.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Amgen, situated within the strike price corridor from $210.0 to $290.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Amgen 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1746198306_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$10.9</td>
<td>$8.45</td>
<td>$10.0</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$120.0K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td align="right">120</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$17.4</td>
<td>$16.6</td>
<td>$16.6</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$79.6K</td>
<td>814</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/30/25</td>
<td>$8.55</td>
<td>$7.85</td>
<td>$8.55</td>
<td>$275.00</td>
<td>$47.0K</td>
<td>1</td>
<td align="right">110</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/02/25</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$4.15</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$45.5K</td>
<td>667</td>
<td align="right">225</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$87.0</td>
<td>$82.5</td>
<td>$83.5</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$41.7K</td>
<td>6</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Amgen</h3>
Amgen is a leader in biotechnology-based human therapeutics. Flagship drugs include red blood cell boosters Epogen and Aranesp, immune system boosters Neupogen and Neulasta, and Enbrel and Otezla for inflammatory diseases. Amgen introduced its first cancer therapeutic, Vectibix, in 2006 and markets bone-strengthening drugs Prolia/Xgeva (approved 2010) and Evenity (2019). The acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals bolstered the firm's therapeutic oncology portfolio with Kyprolis. Recent launches include Repatha (cholesterol-lowering), Aimovig (migraine), Lumakras (lung cancer), and Tezspire (asthma). The 2023 Horizon acquisition brought several rare-disease drugs, including thyroid eye disease drug Tepezza. Amgen also has a growing biosimilar portfolio.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Amgen, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Amgen's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 1,313,938, with AMGN's price down by -1.6%, positioned at $279.24.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 95 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Amgen</h3>
A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $324.5.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley persists with their Equal-Weight rating on Amgen, maintaining a target price of $330. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from UBS keeps a Neutral rating on Amgen with a target price of $319. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Amgen options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Amgen Unusual Options Activity For May 02

Legal

Press Releases

AMGEN ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is Investigating Amgen Inc. on Behalf of Long-Term Stockholders and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm

AMGEN AND KYOWA KIRIN PROVIDE TOP-LINE RESULTS FROM ROCATINLIMAB PHASE 3 IGNITE STUDY IN ADULTS WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE ATOPIC DERMATITIS

UPLIZNA® (INEBILIZUMAB-CDON) SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVES GENERALIZED MYASTHENIA GRAVIS SYMPTOMS IN ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTOR AUTOANTIBODY-POSITIVE PATIENTS OVER 52 WEEKS

UPLIZNA® (INEBILIZUMAB-CDON) IS NOW THE FIRST AND ONLY FDA-APPROVED TREATMENT FOR IGG4-RELATED DISEASE

IMDELLTRA® DEMONSTRATED SUPERIOR OVERALL SURVIVAL IN SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

AMGEN ANNOUNCES $900 MILLION MANUFACTURING EXPANSION, CREATION OF 350 NEW JOBS IN OHIO

AMGEN ANNOUNCES WEBCAST OF 2025 FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

AMGEN REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS

AMGEN TO PRESENT AT THE BANK OF AMERICA MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE

AMGEN TO PRESENT AT THE 2025 RBC CAPITAL MARKETS GLOBAL HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE

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