Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac shares tumble after conservatorship comments
PITTSBURGH - Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ:VTRS), a global healthcare company with a market capitalization of $9.1 billion, has announced a settlement framework aimed at resolving opioid-related claims in the United States. The company’s stock, which has recently declined by about 13% in the past week, is currently trading near its 52-week low, according to InvestingPro data. The agreement, which is not an admission of wrongdoing or liability, stipulates that the company will pay up to $335 million over nine years. The annual payments, ranging from approximately $27.5 to $40 million, are intended to support state and local efforts to combat opioid-related issues.
The settlement comes as Viatris, which has a relatively small presence in the U.S. opioid market, seeks to provide closure on these matters. The financial implications of the potential settlement have already been accounted for in the company’s annual report for the year ending December 31, 2024. With an EV/EBITDA ratio of 5x and a price-to-book ratio of 0.49, InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock appears undervalued relative to its peers in the pharmaceutical sector.
Viatris has a history of addressing public health challenges, including those related to opioids. The company manufactures generic versions of naloxone, an overdose reversal drug, and buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid addiction treatment. Additionally, Viatris is developing a new delivery system for meloxicam, a non-opioid pain medication.
This settlement allows Viatris to concentrate on its mission to empower people to live healthier lives at every stage and to continue serving around 1 billion patients annually with a diverse portfolio of medicines. The company is known for bridging the divide between generics and branded medications, providing access to high-quality medicines worldwide.
The forward-looking statements in the original press release, which include the settlement framework and the company’s ongoing public health efforts, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks are detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Despite current challenges, Viatris maintains a "Good" Financial Health score according to InvestingPro analysis, with annual revenue of $14.7 billion and an attractive dividend yield of 6.3%. For deeper insights into Viatris’s financial health and growth prospects, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively to InvestingPro subscribers.
The settlement framework is yet to be finalized and is contingent on the participation level of the claimants. Factors that could influence the outcome include legal or regulatory challenges and the ability of parties to reach a final agreement.
This news is based on a press release statement from Viatris Inc.
In other recent news, Viatris Inc. reported its fourth-quarter earnings for 2024, revealing a mixed financial performance with earnings per share (EPS) of $0.54, which fell short of the $0.58 forecasted by analysts. Revenue also missed expectations, coming in at $3.52 billion against a projected $3.62 billion. This earnings miss has led to a cautious outlook from investors and analysts alike. Jefferies analyst Glen Santangelo adjusted Viatris’ stock price target down to $13 from $15, maintaining a Buy rating, while Piper Sandler cut its price target to $10 from $14, keeping a neutral stance.
The company is facing operational challenges, notably at its manufacturing facility in Indore, India, which has been a significant factor in the company’s financial pressures. S&P Global Ratings downgraded Viatris’ corporate credit rating to ’BB+’ from ’BBB-’ due to elevated leverage expectations, partly stemming from issues at the Indore facility. Despite these challenges, Viatris announced a share repurchase program valued between $500 million and $650 million, indicating a focus on returning capital to shareholders.
S&P maintains a stable outlook for Viatris, expecting leverage to remain between 3.5x and 4.0x over the next year, with a return to sustained revenue growth anticipated in 2026. The company continues to generate strong annual free cash flow of over $2 billion, providing flexibility to enhance its product pipeline and pay down debt. Viatris remains committed to its strategic priorities, including debt reduction and cost optimization, to navigate the current challenges and position itself for future growth.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.