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Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson is the world's largest and most diverse healthcare firm. It has two divisions: pharmaceutical and medical devices. These now represent all of the company's sales following the divestment of the consumer business, Kenvue, in 2023. The drug division focuses on the following therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neurology, pulmonary, cardiology, and metabolic diseases. Geographically, just over half of total revenue is generated in the United States.

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Reported Sunday, Innovative Health Secures Landmark $147M Verdict Against J&J Unit Over Anti-Competitive Tactics Targeting Reprocessed Medical Devices

The U.S. and China agreed to de-escalate their trade war by cutting tariffs by 115 percentage points, bringing U.S. duties on Chinese <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45347089/wall-street-rips-higher-as-tariff-truce-halts-us-china-economic-escalation">goods down to 30%.</a>
The announcement sparked a broad-based equity rally, with the S&amp;P 500 climbing back to early March 2025 levels and erasing losses from President Donald Trump's &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45355655/magnificent-seven-gain-700b-after-us-china-slash-tariffs-gold-crashes-whats-driving-markets-monday">Liberation Day&#8221; tariff shock.</a>
The improved trade outlook also prompted economists to cut recession odds and upgrade U.S. growth forecasts for the second half of the year.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">S&amp;P 500 Logs 5 Consecutive Winning Sessions</h3>
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) closed 5% higher for the week, notching five straight sessions in the green.
Semiconductors kept powering higher. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NYSE">SOXX</a>) rose nearly 10% on the week, logging its fourth straight week of gains and delivering its best monthly rally since 2020.
Yet, clean energy stocks – as tracked by the Invesco Solar ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAN#NYSE">TAN</a>) – outshined even chipmakers. Solar names surged after Republicans released a better-than-expected tax proposal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/25/05/45381191/first-solar-eyes-best-2-day-rally-since-2013-after-gop-tax-plan-spares-key-clean-energy-credits">on renewable energy credits.</a> Shares of First Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>) soared 27% for the week, leading the sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trump&#8217;s Middle East Blitz Attracts $2 Trillion In Gulf Commitments</h3>
During his Middle East visit, President Trump secured around $2 trillion in trade and investment pledges from Gulf countries.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45390422/trump-unveils-historic-and-transformative-600-billion-saudi-deal-predicts-markets-will-go-a-lot-higher">Saudi Arabia committed $600 billion</a> in deals involving Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>), Oracle Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NASDAQ">ORCL</a>), Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), Uber Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NASDAQ">UBER</a>), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), GE Vernova (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>) and Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>).
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45446924/trump-secures-12-trillion-qatar-deal-as-boeing-ge-land-record-orders">Qatar followed with a $1.2 trillion package</a> focused on energy and infrastructure, inking major contracts with GE Aerospace (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>) and Boeing.
The United Arab Emirates signed a $200 billion deal to import over one million AI chips from Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and other initiatives with Exxon Mobil Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NASDAQ">XOM</a>), Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">UNH In Free Fall, Consumer Inflation Concerns Hit 1980s Levels</h3>
Back on Wall Street, one corporate giant is facing deep losses in what's shaping up to be one of the worst crises in its history. UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) shares nosedived 27% this week, marking the company&#8217;s worst weekly performance since the 2009 financial crisis and extending a five-week losing streak.
CEO Andrew Witty resigned Tuesday citing "personal reasons," while the company suspended 2025 guidance due <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45373368/unitedhealth-stock-plunges-names-new-ceo-suspends-2025-guidance">to surging medical costs</a>. A U.S. Department of Justice criminal probe into alleged fraud in its Medicare Advantage <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45426769/unitedhealth-stock-plunges-over-8-in-after-hours-trading-as-doj-criminal-probe-adds-to-turmoil-after-ceo-shake-up">program worsened investor fears.</a>
On the macro front, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45374267/inflation-eases-in-april-as-trumps-tariffs-dont-push-prices-higher">April inflation data</a> signaled softening price pressures, but retail sales dropped, reflecting consumer <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">caution amid trade uncertainty</a>. Inflation expectations are also heating up again.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45470155/consumer-sentiment-crashes-to-5-year-lows-as-inflation-fears-reach-1981-levels">University of Michigan's survey</a> showed the weakest sentiment since 2020 as the one-year consumer inflation outlook hit levels last seen in 1981.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chart Of The Week: Year-Ahead Consumer Inflation Expectations Have Never Been This High Since Early &#8217;80s</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="529" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/16155140/image-213-1024x529.png" alt="" class="wp-image-918486" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/16155140/image-213-1024x529.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/16155140/image-213-300x155.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/16155140/image-213-768x397.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/16155140/image-213-1536x793.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/16155140/image-213-2048x1058.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-approves-guselkumab-for-crohns-disease-and-ulcerative-colitis#:~:text=The%20Medicines%20and%20Healthcare%20products,plaque%20psoriasis%20and%20psoriatic%20arthritis.">https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-approves-guselkumab-for-crohns-disease-and-ulcerative-colitis#:~:text=The%20Medicines%20and%20Healthcare%20products,plaque%20psoriasis%20and%20psoriatic%20arthritis.</a>
&nbsp;
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 16 May 2025, approved guselkumab (Tremfya) to treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Guselkumab is currently approved to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, clinical studies have shown that guselkumab is also efficacious in treating adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease and UC who have not responded well to other treatments or experienced unacceptable side effects.
Using guselkumab in Crohn's disease can benefit patients by reducing the signs and symptoms of the disease, which can include diarrhoea and abdominal pain. In UC it helps to reduce abdominal pain and inflammation of the intestinal lining. These effects can improve a patient's ability to do normal daily activities and reduce fatigue.
Guselkumab can be administered either by intravenous infusion or injection for the initial treatment of Crohn's disease. For UC, initial treatment will be administered via an intravenous infusion.

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'MHRA Approves Guselkumab For Crohn's Disease And Ulcerative Colitis'

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pfizer's Oncology Transformation: Why This Beaten-Down Pharma Giant Is Poised For A Strong Comeback</h2>
Despite trading near decade-low valuations, Pfizer (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) is strategically repositioning itself for substantial long-term growth through its oncology transformation, particularly via the Seagen acquisition. While the market remains fixated on COVID-related revenue declines and upcoming patent cliffs, investors are overlooking the company's dramatically expanded oncology pipeline, robust free cash flow, and the potential for multiple catalysts in 2025-2026 that could drive significant share price appreciation.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a>Key Points:</a></h2>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Pfizer's current valuation metrics reveal a striking disconnect with its long-term growth potential</li>
<li>The $43 billion Seagen acquisition has fundamentally transformed Pfizer's oncology pipeline</li>
<li>Despite near-term revenue pressures, Pfizer's financial position remains strong with multiple pathways to growth</li>
<li>A comparison with key competitors shows Pfizer offers compelling risk-reward at current prices</li>
<li>Upcoming catalysts in 2025-2026 could trigger significant revaluation</li>
</ol>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a>Introduction: The Fall From Grace</a></h2>
Few pharmaceutical giants have experienced as dramatic a fall from grace as Pfizer. After riding high on the success of its COVID-19 vaccine and antiviral treatments in 2021-2022, the company has seen its stock price plummet over 60% from its December 2021 high of $52.61. At its current price of approximately $23.87, Pfizer trades at a P/E ratio of just 7.41, a level typically reserved for companies facing existential threats rather than one of the world's premier pharmaceutical innovators.
The market narrative surrounding Pfizer has been overwhelmingly negative, focused on:
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>The rapid decline of COVID-19 product revenues</li>
<li>Upcoming patent expirations for key drugs like Inlyta (2025) and Xtandi (2027)</li>
<li>Underwhelming pipeline developments in areas like weight loss</li>
<li>Concerns about the return on investment from the $43 billion Seagen acquisition</li>
</ol>
This pessimistic outlook has created what I believe is one of the most compelling investment opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector today. The market is dramatically undervaluing Pfizer's strategic transformation and the potential of its expanded oncology portfolio.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="975" height="609" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15031106/image-3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-12977" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15031106/image-3.png 975w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15031106/image-3-300x187.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15031106/image-3-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&nbsp;Valuation Disconnect: A Market Overreaction</h2>
Pfizer's current valuation metrics tell a compelling story of market overreaction:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>P/E Ratio: 7.41x (vs. industry average of ~15x)</li>
<li>Forward P/E: 8.0x (based on 2025 guidance)</li>
<li>Dividend Yield: 7.20% (substantially higher than its historical average)</li>
<li>Market Cap: $135.38 billion (down from over $300 billion at its peak)</li>
</ul>
When a company of Pfizer's caliber trades at these valuation levels, either the market is correctly anticipating a permanent deterioration in business fundamentals, or it's presenting a significant opportunity for contrarian investors. I believe it's the latter.
While Pfizer's revenue and earnings did experience a sharp decline following the normalization of COVID-19 product demand, the company's 2025 guidance suggests stabilization is at hand. For 2025, Pfizer projects:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Revenue between $61-64 billion</li>
<li>Adjusted EPS of $2.80-3.00</li>
<li>Operational revenue growth of 0-5% (excluding non-recurring COVID revenue)</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="975" height="609" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033015/image-4.png" alt="" class="wp-image-12979" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033015/image-4.png 975w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033015/image-4-300x187.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033015/image-4-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px" /></figure>
These projections, while not spectacular, hardly justify a valuation typically reserved for businesses in secular decline. More importantly, they provide a stable foundation from which Pfizer's oncology transformation can drive future growth.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a>The Seagen Acquisition: A Pipeline Revolution</a></h2>
In December 2023, Pfizer completed its $43 billion acquisition of Seagen, a move that fundamentally transformed the company's oncology portfolio. This acquisition wasn't merely about adding incremental revenue; it represented a strategic pivot that doubled Pfizer's early-stage oncology pipeline and positioned the company as a leader in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology—one of the most promising approaches in cancer treatment today.
The Seagen acquisition brought immediate and long-term benefits:
Immediate Portfolio Enhancement:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Four FDA-approved cancer drugs (Adcetris, Padcev, Tivdak, and Tukysa)</li>
<li>Combined revenues of approximately $2.2 billion in 2023</li>
<li>Pfizer projects these medicines could contribute over $10 billion in risk-adjusted revenues by 2030</li>
</ul>
Pipeline Transformation:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Doubled Pfizer's oncology pipeline to 60 programs</li>
<li>Expanded ADC technology platform</li>
<li>Added multiple late-stage pipeline candidates with blockbuster potential</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="975" height="609" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033102/image-5.png" alt="" class="wp-image-12980" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033102/image-5.png 975w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033102/image-5-300x187.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033102/image-5-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px" /></figure>
This acquisition wasn't made out of desperation but from a position of strategic foresight. ADC technology, which Seagen pioneered, allows for more precise targeting of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This approach is increasingly seen as the future of cancer treatment, with the global ADC market projected to grow at a CAGR of over 10% through 2030.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla's comment that "We are not acquiring the golden eggs. We are acquiring the goose that laid the golden eggs" captures the strategic rationale perfectly. The long-term value lies not just in current products but in Seagen's innovation engine.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a>Financial Strength Despite Headwinds</a></h2>
While near-term revenue pressures are real, Pfizer's financial position remains remarkably strong:
Q1 2025 Performance:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Revenue of $13.72 billion</li>
<li>Adjusted EPS of $0.92 (significantly above analyst expectations of $0.66)</li>
<li>Maintained full-year guidance despite external challenges</li>
</ul>
Balance Sheet Strength:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Substantial cash flow generation</li>
<li>Dividend well-covered by earnings</li>
<li>Continued cost optimization (targeting $7.7 billion in savings by 2027)</li>
</ul>
In its Q1 2025 earnings call, Pfizer's management noted they are "trending towards the upper end" of their adjusted EPS guidance range for 2025, suggesting operational efficiency and cost discipline are bearing fruit.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a>Competitive Landscape: How Pfizer Stacks Up</a></h2>
To fully appreciate Pfizer's investment potential, we need to compare it to major competitors:
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="975" height="609" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033126/image-6.png" alt="" class="wp-image-12981" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033126/image-6.png 975w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033126/image-6-300x187.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15033126/image-6-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px" /></figure>
Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>):
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Market Cap: ~$395 billion</li>
<li>P/E Ratio: ~25x</li>
<li>Dividend Yield: ~3.0%</li>
<li>Growth Challenges: Facing Stelara patent expiration in 2025 and ongoing talc litigation</li>
</ul>
Merck &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>):
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Market Cap: ~$208 billion</li>
<li>P/E Ratio: ~16x</li>
<li>Dividend Yield: ~2.9%</li>
<li>Growth Challenges: Heavy reliance on Keytruda, which faces patent expiration later this decade</li>
</ul>
AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>):
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Market Cap: ~$340 billion</li>
<li>P/E Ratio: ~20x</li>
<li>Dividend Yield: ~3.6%</li>
<li>Growth Challenges: Recovering from Humira patent cliff through Skyrizi and Rinvoq growth</li>
</ul>
Compared to these peers, Pfizer offers significantly more attractive valuation metrics while facing similar industry-wide challenges. The valuation gap implies the market believes Pfizer's growth prospects are substantially worse than its competitors, an assumption not supported by the company's pipeline and strategic initiatives.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a>Catalysts for Revaluation in 2025-2026</a></h2>
Several potential catalysts could drive a significant revaluation of Pfizer in the next 12-24 months:
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Pipeline Milestones: Multiple late-stage readouts, particularly from oncology programs, are expected in 2025-2026, including data from the promising disitamab vedotin program for bladder cancer.</li>
<li>Margin Expansion: Pfizer's cost optimization initiatives are projected to deliver $7.7 billion in savings by 2027, potentially lifting adjusted operating margins.</li>
<li>Oncology Revenue Growth: The oncology portfolio, particularly the former Seagen products, is projected to deliver strong growth as new indications are approved and commercial execution improves.</li>
<li>GLP-1 Program Advancement: Progress with danuglipron, Pfizer's oral GLP-1 candidate, could position the company in the rapidly growing obesity market.</li>
<li>Potential Divestments or Spin-offs: Strategic portfolio optimization could unlock shareholder value, with non-core assets potentially being divested.</li>
</ol>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a>Investment Risks</a></h2>
No investment thesis is complete without acknowledging risks:
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Patent Cliff Pressures: Pfizer faces patent expirations for Inlyta (2025) and Xtandi (2027), which will impact revenue in the near term.</li>
<li>Seagen Integration Challenges: Realizing the full potential of the Seagen acquisition depends on successful integration and pipeline execution.</li>
<li>Pharmaceutical Pricing Pressure: The Inflation Reduction Act and potential future drug pricing reforms could impact profitability.</li>
<li>Competition in Oncology: The oncology space is highly competitive, with many companies pursuing similar targets.</li>
<li>Tariff Uncertainties: As noted in recent earnings calls, potential pharmaceutical tariffs create uncertainty.</li>
</ol>
However, at current valuation levels, much of this risk appears to be already priced into the stock, creating an asymmetric risk-reward profile.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion: The Case for Pfizer's Resurgence</h2>
Pfizer's dramatic fall from grace has created a compelling opportunity for patient investors. The company's strategic pivot to oncology, particularly through the Seagen acquisition, has positioned it at the forefront of one of the most promising areas in medicine. While near-term challenges are real, the current valuation reflects an overly pessimistic view that fails to account for Pfizer's pipeline potential and strategic transformation.
With multiple catalysts on the horizon and a dividend yield providing substantial income while waiting for the investment thesis to play out, Pfizer offers one of the most attractive risk-reward profiles in the pharmaceutical sector today.
For investors willing to look beyond the current negative sentiment, Pfizer at today's prices represents a rare opportunity to acquire a premier pharmaceutical innovator at a deep discount to its intrinsic value.
Image Credit: Generated Using AI

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Why Pfizer Is Poised For A Strong Comeback: My Top Pick For 2025

Jim Cramer thinks that the bond market now offers a clearer risk-reward trade-off than so-called "safety" stocks, warning that rising 10-year Treasury yields and a political "wild card" in Washington make even dividend stalwarts feel shaky.
What Happened: The 10-year Treasury yield's jump to its highest level in more than a month has tightened the spread between bond payouts and blue-chip dividends, dulling the appeal of AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) and Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CL#NYSE">CL</a>), Cramer <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/14/jim-cramer-explains-why-its-hard-to-own-usual-safety-stocks-here.html">told</a> CNBC&#8217;s &#8216;Mad Money&#8217; viewers on Wednesday.
"In a very uncertain tape for what <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44809259/3-safe-dividend-stocks-as-investors-seek-to-reset-diversification">used to be called</a> ‘safety stocks,' I'd rather just own a piece of paper like the 10-year Treasury, where, if worst comes to worst, at least I get my money back," Cramer said.
Cramer flagged Robert F. Kennedy Jr., newly installed as Health and Human Services secretary, as an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42254495/trumps-hhs-pick-rfk-jr-has-a-long-history-of-challenging-global-health-policies">unpredictable force</a> who could clamp down on pharmaceutical pricing and food additives. "Investors don't know whether Kennedy will act in favor of the companies he's tasked with regulating," he cautioned.
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45426516/chuck-schumer-says-trump-is-letting-cartel-members-into-the-us-asks-how-much-memecoin-did-they-pay">Chuck Schumer Says Trump Is &#8216;Letting Cartel Members&#8217; Into The US, Asks How Much &#8216;Memecoin&#8217; Did They Pay</a>
What To Know: That uncertainty compounds existing headaches. Johnson &amp; Johnson is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44586129/us-judge-rejects-another-johnson-johnson-attempt-to-use-bankruptcy-for-talc-cancer-claims">still wrestling</a> with talc-related lawsuits that have already cost billions in settlements and reserves, a cloud Wall Street <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44920880/expert-flags-never-before-observed-trio-falling-stocks-and-short-yields-bucking-rising-long-yields-nothing-is-normal-about-this">fears could grow</a> heavier if bond yields <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45399783/gordon-johnson-warns-of-potential-liberation-day-20-as-30-year-treasury-yields-approach-5-amid-dollar-weakness?utm_source=chatgpt.com">keep luring</a> income-seekers away. AbbVie's rich dividend likewise looks less generous when a risk-free Treasury pays nearly the same rate with zero headline risk.
Consumer staples aren't immune either, says Cramer. Procter &amp; Gamble and Colgate boast recession-proof brands, yet their 2–3% yields no longer tower over Treasuries, and Cramer said "the yields may simply not be high enough to justify the risk."
Snack titan PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) and cereal maker General Mills (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>) could also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42144709/kennedys-war-on-food-dyes-could-be-coming-to-your-breakfast-table">come under fire</a> if Kennedy pushes to restrict artificial colors and other additives, Cramer warned, asking rhetorically whether kids would still eat Lucky Charms without its rainbow marshmallows.
Why It Matters: For now, Cramer said he is "tempted to buy General Mills" on weakness, but fears Washington's next pitch more than the stock's upside.
Cramer also told "Mad Money" viewers that recession worries can be a buying opportunity, saying high-quality retailers look cheap so long as you don't think the economy will "fall off a cliff." Despite earlier warning, the sector was in the trade-war "blast radius," he now does have a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45416455/jim-cramer-says-these-retail-stocks-rl-gap-can-survive-a-market-correction">couple of clear favorites</a> to scoop up on any dip.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings indicate Johnson &amp; Johnson has a Momentum in the 47th percentile and Growth in the 63rd, how do other &#8220;safety&#8221; stocks rank in terms of these metrics? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Check them out here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="442" height="282" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15010652/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-14.06.33.png" alt="" class="wp-image-915950" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15010652/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-14.06.33.png 442w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15010652/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-14.06.33-300x191.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px" /></figure>
Photo courtesy: katz / Shutterstock.com
Read next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/travel/25/05/45427289/peter-schiff-warns-qatars-200-billion-boeing-deal-could-spike-us-inflation-interest-rates-says-treasury-sell-off-may-follow">Peter Schiff Warns Qatar&#8217;s $200 Billion Boeing Deal Could Spike US Inflation, Interest Rates — Says Treasury Sell-Off May Follow</a>

Jim Cramer Says Even 'Safety' Stocks Look Risky, Warns Of 'Wild Card' In Washington And Rising Treasury Yields As Reasons To Stay Away From Sure Bets

Sanofi SA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNY#NASDAQ">SNY</a>) announced on Wednesday that it will invest at least $20 billion in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. through 2030</a>.
Research and development, plus U.S. manufacturing, will receive the bulk of the spending.
The company also expects higher job creation within the communities where Sanofi and its partners are located, which will help <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/05/n45414947/sanofi-to-invest-at-least-20-billion-in-the-us-through-2030-growing-investments-in-science-and-exp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance the U.S. supply chain</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44981281/french-drugmaker-sanofi-clocks-20-q1-profit-growth-forecasts-strong-rebound-in-annual-profit" rel="noreferrer noopener">French Drugmaker Sanofi Clocks 20% Q1 Profit Growth, Forecasts Strong Rebound In Annual Profit</a>
Sanofi has 13,000 US-based employees, according to CEO Paul Hudson.
&#8220;Our expected investments in the US will be substantial and will help ensure the production of key medicines in the U.S.,&#8221; he added.
Sanofi also expects to partner with other domestic manufacturers to help ensure the production of medicines in the U.S.  
Earlier in May, U.S. President&nbsp;Donald Trump's&nbsp;signed an executive order to promote prescription drug manufacturing in the U.S., streamlining the path for companies to build new production sites as potential tariffs on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs" rel="noreferrer noopener">imported medicines loom</a>.
The White House wants facilities to come on board at a faster rate. It <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/regulatory-relief-to-promote-domestic-production-of-critical-medicines/?tblci=GiCUX7wvU_AgmIIiQduNYr6JQuJQLy6SZJGvpyeZuCzyqiCN1VcoxvTN4f7-y-PqATDviEo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimates</a> that it can currently take five to 10 years to build new pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, which it calls "unacceptable from a national-security standpoint.&#8221;
It&#8217;s not just Sanofi. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45234032/fda-expands-surprise-inspections-at-foreign-drug-and-food-facilities-targets-double-standards-in-overseas-manufacturing-oversight" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amid tariff uncertainty</a>, many drug companies are investing to boost production within the U.S.:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Eli Lilly And Co&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) doubled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/02/43982604/eli-lilly-doubles-capital-spending-on-us-drug-manufacturing-with-50-billion-target" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domestic medicine production</a>.</li>
<li>Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMO#NYSE">TMO</a>) announced it would invest an additional $2 billion in the U.S. over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44995428/thermo-fisher-doubles-down-on-us-manufacturing-in-2b-expansion-plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the next four years</a>.</li>
<li>Medtech firm&nbsp;Becton, Dickinson, and Company&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BDX#NYSE">BDX</a>) also announced its intention to invest&nbsp;$2.5 billion&nbsp;in U.S. manufacturing capacity&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45140102/potential-tariff-bites-into-becton-dickinson-2025-profit-outlook-company-will-invest-2-5-billion-to-boost-us-manufacturing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">over the next 5 years</a>.</li>
<li>Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REGN#NASDAQ">REGN</a>)  seeks to nearly double its manufacturing capacity through a new agreement with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44931246/regeneron-partners-with-japan-based-fujifilm-to-bolster-us-manufacturing-capacity-via-3-billion-deal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies</a>.</li>
<li>Novartis AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>) unveiled a $23 billion investment plan to expand in the U.S. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44761201/novartis-commits-23-billion-to-expand-us-manufacturing-over-five-years-despite-tariffs-uncertaint" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">over the next five years</a>.</li>
<li>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) plans to invest more than <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44433978/johnson-johnson-to-invest-55-billion-in-us-to-boost-manufacturing-drug-discovery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$55 billion in the U.S. over the next four years</a>.</li>
<li>Roche Holdings AG&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTC">RHHBY</a>)&nbsp;announced that it will invest $50 billion in the U.S. over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/pharmaceuticals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the next five years.</a></li>
<li>Bristol-Myers Squibb &amp; Co.'s&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>)&nbsp;Christopher Boerner, chair and chief executive officer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statnews.com/2025/05/05/bristol-myers-squibb-pharmaceutical-policy-us-trump-administration-innovation-tariffs/?tblci=GiCUX7wvU_AgmIIiQduNYr6JQuJQLy6SZJGvpyeZuCzyqiCN1VcoxvTN4f7-y-PqATDviEo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared</a>&nbsp;plans to invest $40 billion in U.S. R&amp;D, technology, and manufacturing over the next five years in an op-ed published by Statnews.</li>
</ul>
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) is one pharma company that did not highlight investments in new manufacturing plants. The company noted that they already have significant capacity and flexibility to manufacture <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/45118145/pfizer-ceo-albert-bourla-emphasizes-national-security-in-us-drug-manufacturing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products in the U.S</a>.
Price Action: Sanofi stock is down 1.53% at $49.20 at the last check on Wednesday.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/05/45407486/novo-nordisk-inks-22-billion-deal-with-septerna-to-develop-oral-weight-loss-and-diabetes-drugs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk Inks $2.2 Billion Deal With Septerna To Develop Oral Weight Loss And Diabetes Drugs</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Movers

Sanofi To Navigate Tariff Impact With $20 Billion In Spending Through 2030

The U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) on Monday issued a draft guidance for public comment on the third cycle of negotiations under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (Negotiation Program) to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45234032/fda-expands-surprise-inspections-at-foreign-drug-and-food-facilities-targets-double-standards-in-overseas-manufacturing-oversight" rel="noreferrer noopener">lower prescription drug prices</a>.
The draft guidance introduces new policies that would, for the first time, include drugs covered under Medicare Part B in the Medicare <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drug Price Negotiation Program</a>.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-releases-draft-guidance-third-cycle-medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program-lower-drug-prices" rel="noreferrer noopener">guidance</a> also explains how CMS plans to renegotiate prices for some drugs already negotiated for 2026 or 2027.
It clarifies how drugmakers must make the negotiated prices available in those years and extends similar rules for Part D drugs through 2028.
The first round of negotiations, covering 10 Part D drugs, ended in August 2024. A second round, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43062779/popular-ozempic-wegovy-selected-for-next-round-of-medicare-drug-price-negotiations" rel="noreferrer noopener">involving 15 more Part D drugs</a>, is currently underway.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45341590/trumps-drug-pricing-executive-order-could-rattle-pharma-stocksprice-cuts-up-to-80" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s New Drug Pricing Executive Order Could Rattle Pharma Stocks, With Price Cuts Of Up To 80%: Novo Nordisk, Pfizer And J&amp;J Fall In Premarket</a>
By Feb. 1, 2026, CMS will announce up to 15 additional drugs, covered under either Part D or Part B, for possible negotiation in the third round. Negotiations for this third group will happen in 2026, with new prices taking effect Jan. 1, 2028.
On the same date, CMS will publish the list of drugs selected for initial price negotiations for 2028 and announce any drugs picked for a first round of renegotiation. Those updated prices will also start on January 1, 2028.
CMS invites the public to comment on this draft guidance, including the drug selection process, how negotiated prices are implemented, and ways to improve the program.
The public comment period is open for 45 days. Comments must be submitted by June 26.
Goldman Sachs analyst Asad Haider says investors are concerned about fixed-combination drugs. The draft points out cases where one ingredient affects how the drug is absorbed but doesn&#8217;t treat the disease itself. This has led to worries that some subcutaneous (SC) versions of drugs that IV originally gave might be included in Medicare price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) earlier than expected.
The prior CMS guidance issued under the Biden Administration suggested that sub-q formulations of IV drugs could be excluded from IRA price negotiations.
Stocks of companies with key SC drugs in focus, Johnson &amp; Johnson&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) Darzalex Faspro, Bristol-Myers Squibb &amp; Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>) Opdivo Qvantig, and Merck &amp; Co Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) subcutaneous pembrolizumab/Keytruda (in development), are trading lower.
&#8220;At a higher level, we view this development as another aspect of policy uncertainty that continues to persist, in addition to the Most Favored Nation Executive Order and potential for tariffs&#8230;In our view, this underscores a need for the industry to pursue novel innovations over incremental life cycle management strategies — a dynamic which we believe could lead to increased M&amp;A activity,&#8221; analyst Haider writes.
Price Action: JNJ stock is down 1.45% at $146.30, BMY stock is down 2.64% at $45.38, and MRK stock is down 2.46% at $74.74&nbsp;at the last check on Wednesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/05/45409509/samsungs-1-7-billion-cooling-spree-buys-flaktgroup-to-target-data-center-boom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samsung&#8217;s $1.7 Billion Cooling Spree &#8211; Buys FläktGroup To Target Data Center Boom</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Government

Regulations

Analyst Ratings

CMS Expands Medicare Drug Price Talks To Part B Meds In 2026 Shake Up

President Donald Trump on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia into the United States, calling it a &#8220;golden era&#8221; of U.S.-Middle East economic cooperation and listing a series of multibillion-dollar deals with leading American corporations<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump"> in tech, defense and infrastructure.</a>
"From the moment we started, we've seen wealth that just poured and is pouring back into America," Trump said in Riyadh during the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum.
&#8220;This week, there are multi-billion dollar commercial deals with Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMNZ#NASDAQ">AMNZ</a>), Oracle Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NASDAQ">ORCL</a>), Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>). They&#8217;re all here. Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>), Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), and many, many more,&#8221; Trump added.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Saudi Arabia's $600B Investment Package: What's Inside?</h3>
Trump announced &#8220;the largest set of commercial agreements on record&#8221; between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, calling it a &#8220;historic and transformative&#8221; leap forward.
 The $600 billion deal includes:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>DataVolt's $20 billion investment in U.S.-based AI data centers and energy infrastructure.</li>
<li>$80 billion joint tech investments by Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Oracle Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>), Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>), and DataVolt.</li>
<li>A $14.2 billion energy export package from GE Vernova (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>).</li>
<li>A $4.8 billion aircraft deal involving Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) and Saudi aviation leasing firm AviLease.</li>
<li>A $5.8 billion healthcare investment from Shamekh IV Solutions, including a new Michigan IV fluid plant. </li>
<li>Additionally, infrastructure engineering firms including AECOM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACM#NYSE">ACM</a>), Parsons Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSN#NYSE">PSN</a>), Jacobs Solutions Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/J#NYSE">J</a>) and Hill International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIL#NYSE">HIL</a>) are delivering $2 billion in U.S. services exports for Saudi megaprojects such as King Salman Park, King Salman International Airport and Qiddiya City.</li>
</ul>
&#8220;Today, the Gulf nations have shown this entire region a path towards safe and orderly societies with improving quality of life, flourishing economic growth, expanding personal freedoms, and increasing responsibilities on the world stage,&#8221; Trump said.
According to the White House fact sheet, new investment funds have been launched jointly between the two nations:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>$4 billion Enfield Sports Global Sports Fund</li>
<li>$5 billion Energy Investment Fund</li>
<li>$5 billion Aerospace and Defense Technology Fund</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defense Sector Boost: $142 Billion In Arms To Saudis</h3>
Trump said the U.S. has secured $142 billion in military equipment purchases from Saudi Arabia, calling it "the largest ever."
The White House said the package covers five key areas: air force advancement, missile defense, maritime security, border modernization, and information systems. It also includes training for Saudi military personnel and support for defense medical services.
The defense sector — particularly companies like Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) and Raytheon Technologies Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) — could attract renewed attention if arms deals are formalized.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Healthcare And Industrial Investment Hits Michigan</h3>
Shamekh IV Solutions will invest $5.8 billion, including the development of a high-capacity IV fluid plant in Michigan. 
Trump said: "We've cut our health care costs by 50 to 90%. You're going to see drugs and pharmaceuticals come down at numbers that nobody has ever seen."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trump: &#8216;It's Going To Go A Lot Higher&#8217;</h3>
Reiterating his confidence in the U.S. economy and stock market, Trump said: "Five weeks ago, I told people this is a great time to buy. I got criticized for that. Now they don&#8217;t criticize me anymore. People should have listened. But it&#8217;s going to go a lot higher."
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45379707/sp-500-to-6500-goldman-sachs-trims-recession-odds-as-trump-backs-off-on-tariffs">S&amp;P 500 To 6,500? Goldman Sachs Trims Recession Odds As Trump Backs Off On Tariffs </a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Tech

AMNZ

AVGO

Trump Unveils 'Historic And Transformative' $600 Billion Saudi Deal, Predicts Markets Will 'Go A Lot Higher'

In the last three months, 13 analysts have published ratings on Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), offering a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The following table encapsulates their recent ratings, offering a glimpse into the evolving sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<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">1</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</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">3</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</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">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $169.46, along with a high estimate of $181.00 and a low estimate of $153.00. This upward trend is apparent, with the current average reflecting a 0.14% increase from the previous average price target of $169.23.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1747159267_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Johnson &amp; Johnson is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of 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>David Risinger</td>
<td>Leerink Partners</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$153.00</td>
<td>$169.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Miksic</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$166.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jayson Bedford</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
<td>$162.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Terence Flynn</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$169.00</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shagun Singh</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$181.00</td>
<td>$181.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jayson Bedford</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$162.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim Anderson</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$159.00</td>
<td>$171.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Terence Flynn</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
<td>$163.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Asad Haider</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$172.00</td>
<td>$157.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shagun Singh</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$181.00</td>
<td>$181.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shagun Singh</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$181.00</td>
<td>$181.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim Anderson</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$171.00</td>
<td>$159.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shagun Singh</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$181.00</td>
<td>$181.00</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 Johnson &amp; Johnson. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Johnson &amp; Johnson compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.</li>
</ul>
Analyzing these analyst evaluations alongside relevant financial metrics can provide a comprehensive view of Johnson &amp; Johnson's market position. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/JNJ/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Johnson &amp; Johnson analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Johnson &amp; Johnson's Background</h2>
Johnson &amp; Johnson is the world's largest and most diverse healthcare firm. It has two divisions: pharmaceutical and medical devices. These now represent all of the company's sales following the divestment of the consumer business, Kenvue, in 2023. The drug division focuses on the following therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neurology, pulmonary, cardiology, and metabolic diseases. Geographically, just over half of total revenue is generated in the United States.
<h3>Johnson &amp; Johnson's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization: Boasting an elevated market capitalization, the company surpasses industry averages. This signals substantial size and strong market recognition.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Johnson &amp; Johnson's financials over 3M reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 2.39% as of 31 March, 2025, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Health Care sector.
Net Margin: Johnson &amp; Johnson's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 50.24% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Johnson &amp; Johnson's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 14.7%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.
Return on Assets (ROA): Johnson &amp; Johnson's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 5.89%, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, Johnson &amp; Johnson adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>How Are Analyst Ratings Determined?</h2>
Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a 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.

13 Analysts Have This To Say About Johnson & Johnson

Johnson &amp; Johnson's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) short percent of float has fallen 5.75% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 19.68 million shares sold short, which is 0.82% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.49 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Johnson &amp; Johnson Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1747155649_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Johnson &amp; Johnson has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Johnson &amp; Johnson's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Johnson &amp; Johnson's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.65%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Peering Into Johnson & Johnson's Recent Short Interest

WIIM

Johnson & Johnson shares are trading lower after Leerink Partners downgraded the stock from Outperform to Market Perform and lowered its price target from $169 to $153.

Leerink Partners analyst David Risinger downgrades Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform and lowers the price target from $169 to $153.

Downgrades

Price Target

Leerink Partners Downgrades Johnson & Johnson to Market Perform, Lowers Price Target to $153

<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/12/trump-drug-pricing-order-most-favored-nation.html">https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/12/trump-drug-pricing-order-most-favored-nation.html</a>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>President Donald Trump will revive a controversial policy that aims to slash drug costs by tying the amount the government pays for some medicines to lower prices abroad, White House officials said.</li>
<li>The order is a blow to the pharmaceutical industry, which is already bracing for Trump&#39;s planned tariffs on prescription drugs.</li>
<li>It is Trump&#39;s latest effort to try to rein in U.S. prescription drug prices, which are two to three times higher on average than those in other developed nations.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

MRNA

'Trump To Sign Order To Cut Some U.S. Drug Prices To Match Those Abroad' - CNBC

Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur, challenged Trump-supporter and political activist Charlie Kirk&#8216;s stance on high drug prices, asserting that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are the main culprits, not Big Pharma.
What Happened:&nbsp;Cuban criticized Kirk&#8217;s&nbsp;focus on Big Pharma as&nbsp;the primary driver of high drug prices. Instead, Cuban pointed to PBMs as the major offenders&nbsp;due to their opaque pricing&nbsp;practices and market dominance. Cuban highlighted the lack of transparency in PBMs&#8217; contracts, which often prohibit disclosing pricing details. He challenged&nbsp;Kirk to obtain a net&nbsp;price list from his company&#8217;s PBM. 
Meanwhile, Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, has regularly raised questions on the practices of Big Pharma through his posts and podcasts.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Charlie , you aren&#39;t close. Drug prices are too damn high. But the big culprit isn&#39;t the brand manufacturers, it&#39;s the big middlemen. Namely PBMs. They work so hard to distort pricing the first lines in their contracts with everyone is &quot;you can&#39;t disclose any of this &quot; How bad… <a href="https://t.co/oMnlvlOPtl">https://t.co/oMnlvlOPtl</a>
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1921755430708969767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Cuban&#8217;s post aligns&nbsp;with a 2022 FTC investigation&nbsp;into PBMs&#8217;&nbsp;role in rising drug costs&nbsp;through practices like spread pricing. Moreover, according to a 2023 Bipartisan&nbsp;Policy Center, six PBMs control&nbsp;95% of the private market. 
He supports Trump's Executive Order to lower drug prices by 30-80%, suggesting that targeting PBMs, such as separating formularies and mandating claim disclosures, could make brand medications cheaper than in many countries, building on his own efforts with Cost Plus Drugs to cut out middlemen and reduce costs.
In one of his initial responses, Mark Cuban expressed support for the move, stating it could &#8220;force transparency,&#8221; even if the President can&#8217;t mandate price reductions.
SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/05/45338281/trump-has-a-proven-track-record-of-being-an-absolute-failure-says-gov-tim-walz-we-dont-need-to-run-governmen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Has A &#8216;Proven Track Record Of Being An Absolute Failure,&#8217; Says Gov. Tim Walz—&#8217;We Don&#8217;t Need To Run Government Like A Business&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Cuban&#8217;s comments come in the wake of President Donald Trump&#8216;s announcement of a sweeping executive order aimed at slashing prescription drug prices. The order, which Trump referred to as the &#8220;most consequential executive order&#8221; in U.S. history, is set to implement a &#8220;Most Favored Nations&#8221; <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">policy requiring</a> pharmaceutical companies to charge U.S. consumers no more than the lowest price they offer for the same drug in any other country.
Cuban, despite being a Trump critic, has <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44866755/mark-cuban-says-this-trump-healthcare-order-could-save-hundreds-of-billions">expressed support</a> for Trump&#8217;s healthcare order, emphasizing its potential to reform the role of PBMs in the U.S. healthcare system and save billions. He believes&nbsp;that targeting PBMs—such as separating&nbsp;formularies and mandating claim disclosures—could&nbsp;make brand medications cheaper than&nbsp;in many countries.
Meanwhile, Eli Lilly (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), Novo Nordisk (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), Pfizer (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) and Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) were trading 2% to 5% lower in Monday&#8217;s premarket in response to Trump&#8217;s executive order.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45328061/bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-enter-weekend-strong-long-dips-140000-is-programmed-trader-says" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Enter Weekend Strong: &#8216;Long Dips, $140,000 Is Programmed,&#8217; Trader Says &#8211; Benzinga</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Mark Cuban Slams Charlie Kirk Over Drug Price Debate, Says PBMs — Not Big Pharma — Are The Real Villains: 'For Your Company…Ask Your PBM For A List Of Claims'

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"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<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>
</figure>
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

Market Summary

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Futures

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: 
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<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

On Sunday, President Donald Trump vowed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44945973/trump-administration-considers-lowering-us-drug-prices-to-international-levels-report">slash prescription drug prices</a> through a sweeping executive order.
What Happened: Trump took to Truth Social and announced plans to sign a new executive order. Under what he called a "most favored nation" pricing policy, the President said the executive order will ensure that "the United States will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World."
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="966" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/11221440/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-11.14.22.png" alt="" class="wp-image-911175" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/11221440/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-11.14.22.png 612w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/11221440/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-11.14.22-190x300.png 190w" sizes="(max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /></figure>
Screenshot From President Donald Trump&#8217;s Truth Social Account
He added that prescription drug prices would drop "almost immediately, by 30% to 80%," and called the move "one of the most consequential Executive Orders in our Country's history."
In response, a user on X, formerly Twitter, expressed skepticism, saying, "It would be nice if Trump&#8217;s super important post about drug prices was really achievable. I think all Democrats would agree&#8230; But like most things Trump brags about, they are pie-in-the-sky promises that can&#8217;t and won&#8217;t actually materialize."
See Also: &nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/04/44935195/elizabeth-warren-says-if-trump-illegally-fires-fed-chair-powell-hell-crash-our-markets-cause-more-economic-p" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elizabeth Warren Says, ‘If Trump Illegally Fires Fed Chair Powell, He'll Crash Our Markets, Cause More Economic Pain To American Families'</a>
That's where <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44866755/mark-cuban-says-this-trump-healthcare-order-could-save-hundreds-of-billions">billionaire entrepreneur</a> and Cost Plus Drugs founder Mark Cuban stepped in. Cuban acknowledged the ambition of Trump's plan but highlighted a more attainable path forward.
"I don't know if he can force the price, but he can force transparency, and that will help," Cuban wrote.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I dont know if he can force the price , but he can force transparency , and that will help. He did it w hospitals Force transparency of contracts, pricing , rebates , claims and a lot could change Biggest thing he could do is encourage brand pharma to sell to cost plus drugs… <a href="https://t.co/vkz3Q2IFkn">https://t.co/vkz3Q2IFkn</a>
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1921710702743417149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It's Important: Last month, Trump issued a <a href="https://benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44851905/trumps-new-order-targets-drug-pricing-transparency-and-medicare-cost-reduction">multi-part executive order</a> targeting drug pricing transparency and Medicare cost reduction.
Earlier this month, he signed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45232993/trump-orders-fda-to-fast-track-us-drug-production-as-tariff-threat-looms-on-imported-medicines-cites">another executive order directing</a> the Food and Drug Administration to expedite approvals for domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
The Invesco Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PJP#NYSE">PJP</a>) and iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHE#NYSE">IHE</a>) rose 2.61% and 2.81%, respectively, over the past month.
Price Action: In after-hours trading, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) was up 0.20%, while Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) increased by 0.32% and 0.13%, respectively. Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) also saw a modest gain of 0.12%, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo Courtesy: PeopleImages.com &#8211; Yuri A On Shutterstock.com
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

iShares Dow Jones US Pharmaceuticals Index Fund

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 Transparency'

Protagonist Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTGX#NASDAQ">PTGX</a>), in collaboration with Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), released new clinical data from the Phase 3 ICONIC-TOTAL&nbsp;study investigating icotrokinra for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" rel="noreferrer noopener">scalp and genital psoriasis</a>.
Key findings from the high-impact skin sites cohort:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>At week 16, 57% of patients treated with once daily icotrokinra achieved the study&#8217;s primary endpoint with an Investigator&#8217;s Global Assessment (IGA)&nbsp;b&nbsp;score of 0/1 (clear or almost clear skin) and a ≥2-grade improvement from baseline at Week 16 compared to 6% of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/05/ac45315482/protagonist-announces-icotrokinra-phase-3-data-on-difficult-to-treat-scalp-and-genital-psoriasis-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patients receiving placebo</a>.</li>
<li>66% of patients with scalp psoriasis achieved a scalp-specific Investigator&#8217;s Global Assessment (ss-IGA)&nbsp;c&nbsp;score of 0/1 compared to 11% receiving placebo at 16 weeks.</li>
<li>77% of patients with genital psoriasis achieved a static Physician&#8217;s Global Assessment of Genitalia (sPGA-G)&nbsp;d&nbsp;score of 0/1 at 16 weeks, compared to 21% receiving placebo.</li>
<li>In the smaller subset of patients with hand/foot psoriasis, patients showed a numerically higher rate of skin clearance at Week 16, with 42% achieving a hand and/or foot Physician&#8217;s Global Assessment (hf-PGA)&nbsp;e&nbsp;score of 0/1 compared to 26% receiving placebo.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44737545/johnson-johnson-protagonist-partnered-investigational-psoriasis-oral-pill-shows-75-of-adolescents-achieved-completely-clear-skin" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johnson &amp; Johnson, Protagonist Tout Positive Results For Psoriasis Oral Pill Study</a>
In March, the companies announced topline results from ANTHEM-UC Phase 2b study of icotrokinra (JNJ-2113) in adults with moderately to severely active&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44220449/why-is-protagonist-therapeutics-stock-trading-higher-on-monday" rel="noreferrer noopener">ulcerative colitis (UC)</a>.
The study met its primary endpoint of clinical response&nbsp;in all icotrokinra dose groups evaluated.
Additionally, the study demonstrated clinically meaningful differences versus placebo in key secondary endpoints of clinical remission, symptomatic remission and endoscopic&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/ac44217207/protagonist-reports-positive-top-line-results-from-phase-2b-study-of-icotrokinra-showing-potentia" rel="noreferrer noopener">improvement at Week 12</a>.
The company also shared preclinical characterization of PN-881, the first-in-class oral peptide antagonist blocking the three dimeric forms of IL-17 (AA, AF and FF), at the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Annual Meeting.
PN-881 represents Protagonist&#8217;s next generation of oral peptides for psoriasis. Key takeaways:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Exhibited nanomolar to picomolar in vitro potency comparable to UCB SA (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UCBJY#OTC">UCBJY</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UCBJF#OTC">UCBJF</a>) Bimzelx (bimekizumab) and superior (70-fold) to Novartis AG&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>) Consentyx secukinumab.</li>
<li>Showed metabolic stability in several matrices across several species, making it a suitable candidate for oral delivery.</li>
<li>Demonstrated PD-based target engagement in a mouse IL-17 challenge model after oral dosing.</li>
<li>Demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy with significant reduction in skin thickness in a 5-day rat IL-23 induced skin inflammation model after oral dosing.</li>
</ul>
Price Action: PTGX stock is up 1.87% at $44.74 at the last check on Friday.
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Image: Shutterstock

PTGX

UCBJF

UCBJY

Protagonist/Johnson & Johnson Partnered Drug Shows Significant Skin Clearance In Pivotal Psoriasis Study

Johnson & Johnson Announced New Data From Phase 3 ICONIC-TOTAL Study Investigating Icotrokinra

As the drug industry is in the middle of a growing policy maelstrom in Washington, D.C., investors are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">closely watching pharmaceutical ETFs</a> to measure market sentiment and ride out the emerging volatility. 
With President Donald Trump&#8217;s administration rehashing contentious ideas on drug pricing and manufacturing policy, the stakes are increasing — not only for Big Pharma, but for the overall healthcare investment environment.
Amid the trends, pharma-targeted ETFs are being watched under a more risk-averse lens. Each of the funds provides sector exposure, but structural idiosyncrasies — and varying levels of protection from regulation-induced shocks — are gaining heightened relevance.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Slicing Up The Pharma ETF Scene</h1>
iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHE#NYSE">IHE</a>)
The ETF offers concentrated exposure to large-cap U.S.-listed pharma companies. Its top holdings are Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), Merck &amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), and Pfizer Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) — companies with strong pipelines and international revenue streams.
Defensive Tilt: IHE&#8217;s emphasis on blue-chip names makes it a relatively defensive play during periods of political unrest.
Policy Sensitivity: But its large weighting in companies with substantial Medicaid and U.S. sales exposure renders it highly sensitive to pharmaceutical pricing reform in the domestic market.
SPDR S&amp;P Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPH#NYSE">XPH</a>)
Unlike IHE, the SPDR S&amp;P Pharmaceuticals ETF uses an equal-weighting style, dispersing exposure across a larger segment of the industry, including mid- and small-cap companies such as Viatris (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTRS#NASDAQ">VTRS</a>).
Diversified Risk: This format caps overconcentration in a single name and increases sensitivity to prospective M&amp;A action.
Higher Volatility: As more importance is assigned to lesser-known participants, XPH can see greater price volatility, particularly as regulatory threats play out.
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPH#NASDAQ">PPH</a>)
Those in search of global exposure should look at PPH, which includes international powerhouses such as AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) on par with U.S. behemoths.
Geopolitical Hedge: International diversification renders PPH less susceptible to U.S.-specific tariff risks or reforms.
Growth Exposure: Novo Nordisk&#8217;s dominance of GLP-1-based obesity treatment provides a high-growth component, although subject to some headwinds due to compounding alternatives in the U.S.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Volatility Ahead?</h1>
These ETF dynamics are unfolding against a backdrop of sweeping proposals and heightened industry-government tension. The Trump administration's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44945973/trump-administration-considers-lowering-us-drug-prices-to-international-levels-report">revived push to tether Medicaid drug prices to lower international benchmarks</a> has sent shockwaves through the pharmaceutical sector. Industry analysts estimate the pricing framework could erase as much as $1 trillion in revenue over a decade, according to Bloomberg.
Surprised by the White House&#8217;s latest move, drug industry executives have mounted a concerted lobbying effort, trying to keep the policy from taking hold in Congress. Although some Republican lawmakers, including Kentucky Rep. Brett Guthrie, have reaffirmed their opposition to global reference pricing, the proposal is still a live political threat, Bloomberg reported.
And adding to investor anxiety is Trump&#8217;s latest threat of<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44708204/trump-hints-at-major-tariff-on-imported-pharmaceuticals-us-pharma-stocks-tumble-in-wednesday-pre-market"> sector-specific tariffs on drugs</a>. Although the Department of Commerce&#8217;s Section 232 investigation can take months, the threat of new import tariffs — particularly on Indian generics and contract-manufactured products — has already spilled over into related stocks. Insiders within the industry say the administration might move while there is a 90-day moratorium on reciprocal tariff imposition.
Not all of Washington&#8217;s signals are bearish, though. A recently signed executive order is intended to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45215281/trump-orders-fda-to-fast-track-us-drug-production-as-tariff-threat-looms-on-imported-medicines-cites-national-security-concerns">lower FDA approval times for U.S. manufacturing plants</a> — potentially speeding up reshoring and encouraging investment in U.S.-based production. For more exposed domestic manufacturers and smaller company-focused ETFs such as XPH, this may be a long-term tailwind.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Proceed, But With Prescription-Strength Caution</h1>
For those looking for exposure to the pharma industry, ETFs are still an important tool — but their variations are more important than ever.
IHE provides stability but is heavily influenced by the success of U.S. policy.
XPH offers balanced exposure and is potentially more sensitive to reforms in domestic manufacturing.
PPH offers a global cushion, especially useful if U.S.-focused risks increase.
In the end, pharma ETFs&#8217; future may depend less on laboratory discoveries than on the political medicine doled out by Washington. 
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/05/45259802/vistashares-launches-qusa-etf-targeting-15-annual-yield-with-quality-us-stocks-options-overlay">VistaShares Launches QUSA ETF, Targeting 15% Annual Yield With Quality U.S. Stocks, Options Overlay</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Aria Armoko via Shutterstock

Merrill Lynch Pharmaceutical HOLDRs Trust

VTRS

Are Your Health Care ETFs Safe? Trump's New Policies May Trigger Shockwaves Across Pharma Stocks

Press Releases

Johnson & Johnson's TAR-200 monotherapy achieves high disease-free survival of more than 80 percent in BCG-unresponsive, high-risk papillary NMIBC

Johnson & Johnson to Participate in the Bernstein's 41st Annual Strategic Decisions Conference

Johnson & Johnson receives FDA approval for IMAAVY™ (nipocalimab-aahu), a new FcRn blocker offering long-lasting disease control in the broadest population of people living with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG)

TREMFYA® (guselkumab) positioned to become the first and only IL-23 inhibitor to offer subcutaneous induction in ulcerative colitis as demonstrated in new data through 24 weeks

TREMFYA® (guselkumab) delivers sustained clinical and endoscopic remission in ulcerative colitis through two years

Johnson & Johnson expands efforts to champion the nursing workforce globally

Icotrokinra results show significant skin clearance in patients with difficult-to-treat scalp and genital psoriasis

Johnson & Johnson to Participate in the Goldman Sachs 46th Annual Global Healthcare Conference

Nachawati Law Group Files New Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits Against Johnson & Johnson After Latest Bankruptcy Ploy Fails

Statement On $147M Verdict for AMDR Member Innovative Health Against Johnson & Johnson's Biosense Webster Medical Technology Unit

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The Rush For Non-Addictive Painkillers To Counter The Opioid Crisis Puts Two Companies Closer To FDA Decisions

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Cardio Diagnostics Holdings Inc. - Common stock

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Johnson & Johnson

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