Today’s news: Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) and Knight-Swift Transportation (KNX) each reported strong earnings beats this morning.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) reported third-quarter non-GAAP diluted EPS of $2.02 this morning, above all analysts’ estimates. Third-quarter revenue of $1.027 billion came in roughly on target. The company increased full year 2018 guidance for revenue, operating margins and earnings per share. The midpoint of its new 2018 EPS guidance is $7.52 vs. the recent consensus estimate of $7.24.
CEO Ludwig Hantson, Ph.D. commented, “Following the groundbreaking Phase 3 results of eculizumab in NMOSD, we are moving quickly to prepare global regulatory submissions, which could make it the first approved therapy for patients with this devastating disease.” The press release itemizes additional new products in various development stages.
The stock is inexplicably down today, despite this tremendous earnings report. However, the share price is not nearly as weak as many good companies’ stocks right now. (If it were reaching new lows, I would defer my Buy recommendation.) The best-case scenario this year—barring a takeover offer—is that ALXN could rise to the upper 140s by year end, where it will still be undervalued. Buy ALXN now. Strong Buy.
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings (KNX – yield 0.8%) reported third-quarter adjusted EPS of $0.65 this morning, above all analysts’ estimates. Third-quarter revenue of $1.35 billion slightly missed the estimate of $1.4 billion. The company reported recent and ongoing improvement in the Swift Refrigerated segment, which was the one area of operations that invited concern. Knight-Swift increased earnings guidance for fourth quarter 2018 and first quarter 2019.
KNX is an undervalued, mid-cap aggressive growth stock. Although the price chart has been bearish, the stock reacted well to the earnings report this morning. I would like to see KNX stabilize before upgrading the stock to a Buy recommendation. Hold.