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Viatris Inc's Competitive Position: Benchmarking in the Pharmaceutical Industry

August 2, 2024

Note: We reveal investment insights through the quotes of top business leaders.

Key Takeaways

  • Viatris Inc. holds a lower market share compared to major competitors like Pfizer and Merck, indicating room for growth and improvement.
  • Competitors emphasize strategic focus and balanced growth in their product portfolios, which Viatris can benchmark against to enhance its own offerings.
  • Strong R&D pipelines and innovation are critical, with competitors like AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson showcasing robust development programs.
  • Financial performance benchmarking against industry leaders like AbbVie and Bristol-Myers Squibb highlights the importance of financial discipline and strategic cost management.
  • Strategic partnerships and regulatory compliance are essential for maintaining competitive advantage and ensuring long-term growth.

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Market Share Comparison

Viatris Inc's market share is notably lower at around 9% compared to competitors like Pfizer with 98%, and Merck's GARDASIL showing stable or increasing shares. Bristol-Myers Squibb's Sotyktu outperforms similar products, while Johnson & Johnson's UPTRAVI sees gains despite some declines.

"Our U.S. market share is lower. It's around 9%. So typically, where our countries have been able to highlight more direct comparisons." --- (ABBV, earning call, 2024/Q1)

"Sales growth of UPTRAVI (selexipag) was driven by market growth and share gains partially offset by inventory dynamics in the U.S. Cardiovascular / Metabolism / Other products experienced an operational decline of 5.5% as compared to the same period a year ago." --- (JNJ, sec filing, 2024/Q2)

"As far as market share, this is a highly competitive market. We look at launch analogs at the top of the funnel or written prescriptions and Sotyktu performance is ahead of products like Tremfya, Cosentyx, at the same time of their launch." --- (BMY, earning call, 2024/Q1)

"We're continuing to see very good performance where we are. We have 98% market share." --- (PFE, earning call, 2024/Q1)

"So this is not a Merck-specific event. And importantly, we see the market share for GARDASIL as stable or actually increasing right now in the marketplace." --- (MRK, earning call, 2024/Q2)

Product Portfolio Analysis

Competitors like Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, Pfizer, and Merck emphasize strategic focus, balanced growth, and commercial execution in their product portfolios. Viatris Inc. can benchmark its portfolio by analyzing these competitors' approaches to growth, market impact, and product differentiation.

"Our growth portfolio has grown approximately 16% and we anticipate a similar rate of growth in the second half. In relation to phasing of product sales in the back half of the year, keep in mind, the typical product seasonality we expect to see in the business in the third quarter." --- (BMY, earning call, 2024/Q2)

"We have decided to look at that business and really focus our portfolio and our focus both on the products within our portfolio and the markets where we can deliver the biggest impact for patients and for shareholders." --- (JNJ, conference, 2024/05/15)

"So overall, I'm extremely pleased with the strong and balanced growth across our therapeutic portfolio this quarter, a testament to our differentiated product profiles and commercial execution." --- (ABBV, earning call, 2024/Q1)

"He will also be responsible for our portfolio analysis and prioritization functions, business development activities, strengthening our partnerships with the biotech ecosystem, and the commercial evaluation of our research pipeline." --- (PFE, press release, 2024/05/06)

"We can, of course, differently define and interpret the term product depending from how many varieties you count as a product. So we would use the term product, how it is used in the business sectors and markets to give you a feel of the breadth of our product portfolio." --- (MRK, event transcript, 2024/04/26)

R&D and Innovation Pipeline

Viatris Inc's R&D and innovation pipeline is crucial for its competitive position. AbbVie emphasizes a productive R&D engine fueling a robust pipeline, while Johnson & Johnson's Shockwave division has rapidly expanded its development programs. Bristol-Myers Squibb balances early and late-stage developments, and Pfizer prioritizes R&D spending to support pipeline growth. However, Merck questions the sustainability of its R&D division in building an internal pipeline.

"And our productive R&D engine, which has yielded numerous innovative new medicines for patients will continue to fuel our robust pipeline for years to come." --- (ABBV, earning call, 2024/Q1)

"In just 2 years, Shockwave's pipeline has quadrupled with 27 development programs underway today. The relentless innovation our R and D team has demonstrated and the obsession with creating better therapies for patients is one of my favorite things about Shockwave." --- (JNJ, M&A Announcement, 2024/04/05)

"Product and Pipeline Developments Our R&D programs are managed on a portfolio basis from early discovery through late-stage development and include a balance of early-stage and late-stage programs to support future growth." --- (BMY, sec filing, 2024/Q2)

"Consistent with our strategy, we are prioritizing our R&D spending to enhance overall returns while supporting growth for our pipeline." --- (PFE, earning call, 2024/Q1)

"The question is, is R and D, research and development of the Health Care division with approximately €8,000,000 turnover and with all due respect, a medium sized Healthcare company. Is that division strong enough to sustainably build an internal pipeline, which means to build it soon enough?" --- (MRK, AGM, 2024/04/26)

Financial Performance Benchmarking

Viatris Inc's financial performance can be benchmarked against industry leaders like AbbVie, which reported $12.3 billion in net revenues and $2.8 billion in operating earnings for Q1 2024, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, which emphasized financial discipline and a $1.5 billion cost savings program.

"Financial Results The company's financial performance for the three months ended March 31, 2024 included delivering worldwide net revenues of $12.3 billion, operating earnings of $2.8 billion, diluted earnings per share of $0.77 and cash flows from operations of $4.0 billion." --- (ABBV, sec filing, 2024/Q1)

"In addition to solid commercial execution, our second quarter performance reflects a focus on financial discipline and steady progress against our $1.5 billion cost savings program we discussed on last quarter's call." --- (BMY, earning call, 2024/Q2)

"It's always a topic because every year, you are below the payout ratio of the comparable index of the companies, which you use for the as a benchmark for elimination of your advisory board. I think it's not very reasonable to" --- (MRK, event transcript, 2024/04/26)

"In 2023, Johnson and Johnson delivered strong and sustained financial performance." --- (JNJ, event transcript, 2024/04/25)

"#ICYMI: This morning we released our Q1 2024 #FinancialResults. Read more about our performance: https://t.co/VDeBqdKajj $ABBV #earnings [Image description: Summary of AbbVie's Q1 2024 Financial Results, including Adjusted Diluted EPS Guidance Range, Net Revenues by Therapeutic Area and Adjusted R&D Investment.]" --- (ABBV, Twitter, 2024/04/26)

Strategic Partnerships and Alliances

Viatris Inc. leverages strategic partnerships and alliances to enhance its competitive position. Collaborations with major players like BMS, JNJ, and others ensure transparency, preparedness, and long-term growth. These alliances align with strategic priorities, enabling transformative moves and effective integration of new assets.

"BMS, our alliance partner, is leading that process. You've heard them describe and we also described that there will be transparency around the outcome of that for impact in '26 in the September time frame. And so at that point, we'll be in a position to share more." --- (PFE, earning call, 2024/Q1)

"And this is not in order of priority, but the 3 combined. And with this in mind, we have the capacity to pursue more transformative moves as long as these acquisitions align with our strategic priorities." --- (MRK, event transcript, 2024/04/26)

"These evaluations inform our business strategy, which includes deploying business continuity plans to maintain critical operations, leveraging partnerships to ensure preparedness and maintaining a presence in multiple geographies to enhance our ability to respond." --- (JNJ, event transcript, 2024/04/25)

"the balance sheet. We can pursue we have the financial wherewithal to pursue opportunities, but it's really more of a strategic focus on looking for a more early stage long term growth drivers." --- (ABBV, conference, 2024/05/15)

"clearly dynamic from a strategic standpoint. You have this asset. Tell us why this will make sense with you and how you're going to make sure that your integration of it is appropriate given the uniqueness of kind of the supply chain and all those dynamics?" --- (BMY, conference, 2024/06/11)

Regulatory Environment Impact

Regulatory changes, including sustainability laws and cost containment efforts like Value-Based Pricing (VBP), significantly impact Viatris Inc's competitive position. Delays in regulatory approvals can affect business sustainability, while a balanced regulatory approach and multilateral cooperation are crucial for maintaining competitive advantage.

"Since then, as a member of the supervisory board, I contributed to support the company when it comes to the new regulatory laws in sustainability. In the actual geopolitical environment, I have invested a lot of my time in sustainability, which is also personally important to me." --- (MRK, event transcript, 2024/04/26)

"Just wanted to ask you in this sort of more challenging regulatory environment, what gives you confidence in a mid-twenty 20 foreclose for the deal?" --- (JNJ, event transcript, 2024/04/05)

"Significant delays in a clinical trial to support the appropriate regulatory approvals could impact the amount of capital required for the business to become fully sustainable on a cash flow basis." --- (BMY, press release, 2024/04/25)

"In principle, we aim for a prudent and balanced approach, avoiding a fragmented regulatory landscape. We continue multilateral cooperation and trade with current and new partners." --- (MRK, event transcript, 2024/04/26)

"Firstly, you look at the impact of VBP, which is a government-driven cost containment effort." --- (JNJ, earning call, 2024/Q2)

Future Growth and Innovation Prospects

Viatris Inc's future growth and innovation prospects can be benchmarked against industry leaders like Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and AbbVie. These companies emphasize minimizing revenue decline, investing in science and innovation, leveraging strong product pipelines, and developing specific growth drivers, showcasing confidence in long-term growth.

"So as we talk about the prospects of growth into the future, at a minimum, we seek to minimize the overall decline in company revenues and quickly return to growth." --- (MRK, conference, 2024/05/15)

"We are building on a strong foundation to unlock accelerated growth with a healthy balance sheet and industry-leading investments in the best science and innovation." --- (JNJ, earning call, 2024/Q2)

"During this meeting, we will provide projected financial and other forward looking information, including anticipated operating and financial performance, growth potential, our expectations for our product pipeline, in line products and product candidates, business plans, strategies and prospects, which are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements." --- (PFE, event transcript, 2024/04/25)

"Great. And as far as just thinking about having a strategy for developing growth drivers, Skyrizi and Rynbok are 2 of the athletes that I would definitely want on my squad here." --- (ABBV, conference, 2024/06/12)

"At the same time, it also clearly illustrates our confidence in the long term growth prospects of our company." --- (MRK, event transcript, 2024/04/26)

Competitive Landscape Analysis

The competitive landscape in the pharmaceutical industry is dynamic, with major players like BMY, MRK, PFE, ABBV, and JNJ navigating various challenges and opportunities. Companies are focusing on clearer market positions, addressing tough competition, and enhancing patient access and support services to maintain their competitive edge.

"And so in some regards, you can say that the competitive landscape is clearer air for us." --- (BMY, conference, 2024/06/11)

"Period, paragraph, TROP-two ADCs, little tough sledding across the competitive landscape. What do you think that this says in terms of the" --- (MRK, conference, 2024/06/11)

"Are there – how do you see the competitive landscape shaping up? Thank you." --- (PFE, earning call, 2024/2-27)

"Let's switch gears to neuro. And so any updated thoughts? I know with the CERAVEL data coming and there's a lot going on in the competitive landscape." --- (ABBV, conference, 2024/05/15)

"And so that is really across the payer landscape and then also what we're doing with patient services and ensuring that patients who the physicians want to prescribe it for have the ability to get access and to navigate through the whole insurance maze and everything and come out on the other end very successfully on the product." --- (JNJ, conference, 2024/06/12)

Operational Efficiency and Cost Management

Viatris Inc's operational efficiency and cost management are bolstered by strategic timing of expenditures and efficiency initiatives, similar to Bristol-Myers Squibb's approach. Additionally, like Merck, Viatris likely benefits from precise internal cost allocation, enhancing overall cost management and operational efficiency.

"Operating expenses, excluding in-process R&D were impacted by higher deal-related spend, partially offset by cost savings related to our efficiency initiatives and the timing of planned expenditures. On a sequential basis, expenses came in lower than anticipated due to timing of planned investment spend that shifted to the third quarter." --- (BMY, earning call, 2024/Q2)

"For internal management reporting presented to the chief operating decision maker, Merck does not allocate the remaining cost of sales not included in segment profits as described above, R&D expenses incurred by MRL, or general and administrative expenses not directly incurred by the segments, nor the cost of financing these activities." --- (MRK, sec filing, 2024/Q1)

See also