Vertex Raises Bottom End of 2025 Revenue Guidance Range

Image Source: Vertex Pharma

By Brian Nelson, CFA

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) reported mixed first quarter results on May 5, with revenue and non-GAAP earnings per share coming in lower than forecast, but the company raised the low end of its revenue guidance range for 2025. Total revenue increased 3% compared to the first quarter of 2024 thanks to continued performance of TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO and an early contribution from the U.S. launch of ALYFTREK. U.S. total revenue increased 9%, while non-U.S. revenue fell 5% due in part to a violation of its intellectual property rights in Russia, of which it notes to be a “limited and isolated matter.”

Management had the following to say about the quarter:

Vertex delivered a strong start to 2025 with notable execution across the business as we grow and diversify the revenue base, progress multiple launches and advance the R&D pipeline. We continued to expand our leadership in CF and build global momentum for CASGEVY, and we launched JOURNAVX in moderate-to-severe acute pain. With multiple programs in pivotal development including povetacicept, which continues to make rapid progress in achieving its potential as a pipeline-in-a-product, and additional programs in early and mid-stage development, Vertex is poised to continue to deliver value for years to come.

Vertex’s reported results were impacted by an intangible asset impairment charge of $379 million associated with VX-264, but the company’s non-GAAP net income still fell to $1.1 billion in the first quarter compared to $1.2 billion in last year’s quarter as a result of higher operating expenses. Looking to the balance of 2025, however, Vertex raised the low end of its revenue guidance range to be between $11.85-$12 billion, up from $11.75-$12 billion previously. The company ended the quarter with $11.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents and no traditional debt. Though Vertex’s first quarter results came in lower than expected, we continue to like the long term story at the company, particularly in pain management, and the stock remains key biotech exposure in the Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio.

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