2 Reasons to Like AMGN and 1 to Stay Skeptical

Amgen has had an impressive run over the past six months as its shares have beaten the S&P 500 by 14.8%. The stock now trades at $350.73, marking a 18% gain. This was partly due to its solid quarterly results, and the run-up might have investors contemplating their next move.

Is it too late to buy AMGN? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Why Does Amgen Spark Debate?

Founded in 1980 during the early days of the biotechnology revolution, Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops, and manufactures innovative medicines to treat serious illnesses like cancer, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases.

Two Things to Like:

1. Long-Term Revenue Growth Shows Momentum

A company’s long-term sales performance can indicate its overall quality. Any business can have short-term success, but a top-tier one grows for years. Luckily, Amgen’s sales grew at a decent 7.6% compounded annual growth rate over the last five years. Its growth was slightly above the average healthcare company and shows its offerings resonate with customers.

2. Excellent Free Cash Flow Margin Boosts Reinvestment Potential

If you’ve followed StockStory for a while, you know we emphasize free cash flow. Why, you ask? We believe that in the end, cash is king, and you can’t use accounting profits to pay the bills.

Amgen has shown terrific cash profitability, enabling it to reinvest, return capital to investors, and stay ahead of the competition while maintaining an ample cushion. The company’s free cash flow margin was among the best in the healthcare sector, averaging 28.6% over the last five years.

One Reason to be Careful:

New Investments Fail to Bear Fruit as ROIC Declines

We like to invest in businesses with high returns, but the trend in a company’s ROIC can also be an early indicator of future business quality.

We like to invest in businesses with high returns, but the trend in a company’s ROIC is what often surprises the market and moves the stock price. Over the last few years, Amgen’s ROIC has unfortunately decreased significantly. Only time will tell if its new bets can bear fruit and potentially reverse the trend.

Final Judgment

Amgen has huge potential even though it has some open questions, and with its shares beating the market recently, the stock trades at 15.7× forward P/E (or $350.73 per share). Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

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