Hunting for Opportunities in Healthcare Stocks

I've been riveted by the healthcare sector's most extravagant stocks lately.

Just look at Eli Lilly (LLY), with its jaw-dropping market value of $412 billion, making it the richest pure-play biopharma company ever. And right on its heels is Novo Nordisk (NVO), boasting a market value of $377 billion. It's enough to make your head spin.

But if you're on the hunt for value, these sky-high prices might leave you feeling a bit queasy. That's why I embarked on a mission to uncover some hidden gems in the healthcare sector.

Now, don't get me wrong. These stocks may be cheap for a reason, and it's crucial to exercise caution. When it comes to investment opportunities, it's essential to separate the diamonds in the rough from the fool's gold.

Enter Viatris (VTRS), a rising star in the generic drug manufacturing arena that has caught the attention of savvy investors seeking long-term holdings. But is it the real deal, or just another flash in the pan?

Viatris shows potential with solid revenue from branded generics like Lipitor, Viagra, and EpiPens. These household-name medicines have a lasting market demand. Plus, its generous 5.2% dividend yield surpasses the market average.

But here's the catch: Viatris is currently undervalued and has yet to prove its growth potential. Its stock price took a hit, and sales in the core generic and branded segments dipped. However, there's hope in the pipeline.

With a range of injectable generic medicines awaiting approval, Viatris could be at the forefront of the market.

By 2027, these programs could yield over $1 billion in annual revenue. While not a game-changer for the company's overall revenue, it sets the stage for future earnings growth.

At this stage, I don’t see Viatris as a slam-dunk investment. However, monitoring their strategic plan to reduce debt, improve efficiency, and drive growth is prudent. It's a work-in-progress worth monitoring for future opportunities.

Another company that caught my attention is Organon (OGN), a recent spinout from Merck (MRK) that focuses on women's health and biosimilars. This hidden gem trades at an attractive valuation of just 4.8 times earnings.

Organon & Co. is a pioneering developer and provider of prescription therapies and medical devices catering to contraception and fertility needs.

The female contraceptive market is projected to experience robust growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2022 to 2027. Notably, Organon is among the top 5 major corporations addressing the demands in this market segment.

But that's not all.

Organon boasts a diverse portfolio that extends beyond women's health. They also offer biosimilar immunology products, two oncology treatments, hypertension therapies, respiratory solutions, dermatology products, non-opioid pain management pills, and cures for male pattern hair loss.

On its first day of official existence, June 3, 2021, Organon's management proudly announced a lineup of over 60 drug products to enhance female health, along with Merck's (MRK) former biosimilars portfolio.

The biosimilars market is projected to soar to $44.7 billion by 2026, showing an impressive CAGR of 23.5%.

As expected, the biosimilars arena has become a bustling hub with both established and emerging companies eagerly entering the space. For instance, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (TEVA) has high hopes for its biosimilar drug targeting arthritis treatment, expecting it to boost Teva's revenue significantly.

Organon has already witnessed promising revenue growth from its biosimilar drugs, with a remarkable 17% increase amounting to $116 million.

Several drug sales have experienced a surge of over 30% in the United States, Canada, and Brazil. Moreover, Organon's brands have shown strong performance in China and the Asia Pacific/Japan region.

Investing in women's health is not only a wise choice; it's a strategic move that can yield significant rewards for individual investors and portfolios. With Organon's innovative solutions, broad product portfolio, and forward-thinking approach, it stands out as a compelling opportunity in the market.

Now, let's take a look at some intriguing names that have found their way onto the list.

We have health insurance behemoth Cigna Group (GI), trading at a mere 9.9 times earnings, alongside the health insurer Centene (CNC) at 10.3 times earnings. Not to mention the presence of renowned drugmakers Pfizer (PFE), Gilead Sciences (GILD), and Amgen (AMGN) gracing this list of bargain stocks.

These seemingly cheap healthcare stocks warrant close attention for the savvy investor seeking hidden gems. Sure, the term "cheap" can sometimes be misleading, but within these underappreciated names lies the potential for hidden value waiting to be discovered.