Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND)


Market Price (8/11/2026): $293.13 | Market Cap: $5.9 BilSector: Health Care | Industry: Biotechnology

Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND)


Market Price (8/11/2026): $293.13
Market Cap: $5.9 Bil
Sector: Health Care
Industry: Biotechnology

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.

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Strong revenue growth
Rev Chg LTMRevenue Change % Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 55%

Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 34%

Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 45%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 41%

Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 36%

Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Biotechnology & Genomics, Precision Medicine, and Aging Population & Chronic Disease. Themes include Pharmaceutical Technology Platforms, Show more.

Expensive valuation multiples
P/EBITPrice/EBIT or Price/(Operating Income) ratio is 24x, P/CFOPrice/(Cash Flow from Operations). CFO is cash before capital expenditures. is 45x, P/EPrice/Earnings or Price/(Net Income) is 30x

Significant share based compensation
SBC/Rev LTMShare Based Compensation / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 18%

Key risks
LGND key risks include [1] its heavy dependence on royalty assets, Show more.

0 Strong revenue growth
Rev Chg LTMRevenue Change % Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 55%
1 Attractive operating margins
Op Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 34%
2 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 45%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 41%
3 Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 36%
4 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include Biotechnology & Genomics, Precision Medicine, and Aging Population & Chronic Disease. Themes include Pharmaceutical Technology Platforms, Show more.
5 Expensive valuation multiples
P/EBITPrice/EBIT or Price/(Operating Income) ratio is 24x, P/CFOPrice/(Cash Flow from Operations). CFO is cash before capital expenditures. is 45x, P/EPrice/Earnings or Price/(Net Income) is 30x
6 Significant share based compensation
SBC/Rev LTMShare Based Compensation / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 18%
7 Key risks
LGND key risks include [1] its heavy dependence on royalty assets, Show more.

LGND in ETFs

Weight = LGND's share of each fund

VTI0.01%
ITOT0.01%
IWM0.20%
IJR0.33%
VB0.07%
IJT0.67%
SLYG0.67%
IWO0.37%
+9 more covered ETFs

Valuation & Metrics

Price Chart

Why The Stock Moved

Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

Updated on 8/6/2026

Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND) stock has gained about 30% since 4/30/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Strong Fiscal Q2 2026 Financial Performance and Raised Earnings Outlook.

Ligand Pharmaceuticals reported robust results for its second fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2026, significantly exceeding analyst expectations. The company announced adjusted earnings per diluted share of $2.37, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.95. Total revenue for the quarter reached $63.7 million, exceeding analyst forecasts of approximately $61.2 million. This performance was driven by a 32% year-over-year increase in royalty revenue, primarily from products like Filspari, Zelsuvmi, and Ohtuvayre. Following these strong results, Ligand raised the low end of its fiscal year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $9.00, compared to the prior analyst consensus of $8.13.

2. Strategic Acquisition of XOMA Royalty Assets.

Ligand Pharmaceuticals completed the acquisition of XOMA Royalty on July 14, 2026, for $739 million, a transaction initially announced on April 27, 2026. This acquisition substantially expanded Ligand's royalty portfolio by adding over 120 commercial, clinical, and preclinical assets, including seven commercial-stage programs. Management anticipates this acquisition will contribute approximately $0.50 to adjusted EPS in the second half of fiscal year 2026 and about $1.50 in fiscal year 2027, while also extending the duration of the company's intellectual property rights through 2040.

Show more
Updated on 8/6/2026

Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND) stock has gained about 30% since 4/30/2026 because of the following key factors:

1. Strong Fiscal Q2 2026 Financial Performance and Raised Earnings Outlook.

Ligand Pharmaceuticals reported robust results for its second fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2026, significantly exceeding analyst expectations. The company announced adjusted earnings per diluted share of $2.37, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.95. Total revenue for the quarter reached $63.7 million, exceeding analyst forecasts of approximately $61.2 million. This performance was driven by a 32% year-over-year increase in royalty revenue, primarily from products like Filspari, Zelsuvmi, and Ohtuvayre. Following these strong results, Ligand raised the low end of its fiscal year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $9.00, compared to the prior analyst consensus of $8.13.

2. Strategic Acquisition of XOMA Royalty Assets.

Ligand Pharmaceuticals completed the acquisition of XOMA Royalty on July 14, 2026, for $739 million, a transaction initially announced on April 27, 2026. This acquisition substantially expanded Ligand's royalty portfolio by adding over 120 commercial, clinical, and preclinical assets, including seven commercial-stage programs. Management anticipates this acquisition will contribute approximately $0.50 to adjusted EPS in the second half of fiscal year 2026 and about $1.50 in fiscal year 2027, while also extending the duration of the company's intellectual property rights through 2040.

3. Full FDA Approval of Filspari for FSGS.

On April 16, 2026, Ligand's partner, Travere Therapeutics, received full FDA approval for Filspari for the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This significant regulatory milestone positions Filspari as the first and only FDA-approved therapy for FSGS, with Ligand entitled to a 9% royalty on worldwide net sales. The positive impact of Filspari's sales was explicitly highlighted as a key driver of the 32% growth in royalty revenue reported in fiscal Q2 2026.

4. Successful $700 Million Convertible Debt Financing.

In June 2026, Ligand Pharmaceuticals successfully completed a $700 million offering of 0% interest rate convertible senior notes. This opportunistic capital raise provides the company with significant financial flexibility and low-cost capital for future strategic initiatives, including further investments in complementary businesses, products, and technologies. The company noted that it retained approximately $700 million in deployable capital following this financing and the XOMA acquisition, positioning it for continued growth and diversification.

5. Favorable Analyst Sentiment and Increased Price Targets.

During the period, several Wall Street analysts reiterated or upgraded their ratings and significantly increased their price targets for Ligand Pharmaceuticals. For example, HC Wainwright boosted its price objective from $243.00 to $289.00 on April 30, 2026, and Citigroup initiated coverage with a "buy" rating and a $387.00 target price on July 21, 2026. Royal Bank of Canada also increased its price target from $262.00 to $340.00 on July 15, 2026. The consensus among 8 analysts is a "Strong Buy" rating for LGND, with an average price target of $342.43.

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Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

The 28.9% change in LGND stock from 4/30/2026 to 8/10/2026 was primarily driven by a 46.2% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).
(LTM values as of)43020268102026Change
Stock Price ($)229.45295.7028.9%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)2682918.4%
Net Income Margin (%)46.4%67.9%46.2%
P/E Multiple35.530.1-15.2%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)1920-4.0%
Cumulative Contribution28.9%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

4/30/2026 to 8/10/2026
ReturnCorrelation
LGND28.9% 
Market (SPY)7.6%17.6%
Sector (XLV)15.4%17.5%

Fundamental Drivers

The 53.9% change in LGND stock from 1/31/2026 to 8/10/2026 was primarily driven by a 251.0% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).
(LTM values as of)13120268102026Change
Stock Price ($)192.10295.7053.9%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)25129115.6%
Net Income Margin (%)19.3%67.9%251.0%
P/E Multiple77.430.1-61.1%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)2020-2.4%
Cumulative Contribution53.9%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

1/31/2026 to 8/10/2026
ReturnCorrelation
LGND53.9% 
Market (SPY)12.0%34.2%
Sector (XLV)9.3%27.0%

Fundamental Drivers

The 124.7% change in LGND stock from 7/31/2025 to 8/10/2026 was primarily driven by a 60.1% change in the company's Total Revenues ($ Mil).
(LTM values as of)73120258102026Change
Stock Price ($)131.58295.70124.7%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)18129160.1%
P/S Multiple13.920.446.8%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)1920-4.3%
Cumulative Contribution124.7%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

7/31/2025 to 8/10/2026
ReturnCorrelation
LGND124.7% 
Market (SPY)23.3%29.2%
Sector (XLV)30.8%25.1%

Fundamental Drivers

The 341.8% change in LGND stock from 7/31/2023 to 8/10/2026 was primarily driven by a 476.8% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).
(LTM values as of)73120238102026Change
Stock Price ($)66.93295.70341.8%
Change Contribution By: 
Total Revenues ($ Mil)20429142.6%
Net Income Margin (%)11.8%67.9%476.8%
P/E Multiple47.630.1-36.9%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)1720-15.0%
Cumulative Contribution341.8%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

7/31/2023 to 8/10/2026
ReturnCorrelation
LGND341.8% 
Market (SPY)74.8%37.7%
Sector (XLV)31.5%28.7%

Return vs. Risk

Price Returns Compared

 202120222023202420252026Total [1]
Returns
LGND Return55%-57%7%50%76%55%195%
Peers Return10%-11%-3%1%35%25%63%
S&P 500 Return27%-19%24%23%16%13%107%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
LGND Win Rate58%42%58%50%75%88% 
Peers Win Rate54%42%42%46%62%69% 
S&P 500 Win Rate75%42%67%75%67%50% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
LGND Max Drawdown-53%-60%-38%-23%-21%-14% 
Peers Max Drawdown-23%-29%-27%-18%-16%-10% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-5%-25%-10%-8%-19%-9% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: RPRX, INVA. See LGND Returns vs. Peers.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 8/10/2026 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

EventLGNDS&P 500
2025 US Tariff Shock
  % Loss-20.8%-18.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven26.2%23.1%
  Time to Breakeven92 days79 days
Summer-Fall 2023 Five Percent Yield Shock
  % Loss-26.3%-9.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven35.8%10.5%
  Time to Breakeven48 days24 days
2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening
  % Loss-50.8%-24.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven103.4%32.4%
  Time to Breakeven1156 days427 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-37.5%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven60.0%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven51 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-50.5%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven101.9%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven2732 days105 days
2016-2017 Trump Reflation Bond Selloff
  % Loss-11.0%-3.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven12.4%3.9%
  Time to Breakeven6 days6 days

Compare to RPRX, INVA

In The Past

Ligand Pharmaceuticals's stock fell -20.8% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 26.2% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

EventLGNDS&P 500
2025 US Tariff Shock
  % Loss-20.8%-18.8%
  % Gain to Breakeven26.2%23.1%
  Time to Breakeven92 days79 days
Summer-Fall 2023 Five Percent Yield Shock
  % Loss-26.3%-9.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven35.8%10.5%
  Time to Breakeven48 days24 days
2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening
  % Loss-50.8%-24.5%
  % Gain to Breakeven103.4%32.4%
  Time to Breakeven1156 days427 days
2020 COVID-19 Crash
  % Loss-37.5%-33.7%
  % Gain to Breakeven60.0%50.9%
  Time to Breakeven51 days140 days
Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare
  % Loss-50.5%-19.2%
  % Gain to Breakeven101.9%23.8%
  Time to Breakeven2732 days105 days
2010 Eurozone Sovereign Debt Crisis / Flash Crash
  % Loss-26.3%-15.4%
  % Gain to Breakeven35.7%18.2%
  Time to Breakeven244 days125 days
2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis
  % Loss-76.3%-53.4%
  % Gain to Breakeven322.0%114.4%
  Time to Breakeven1657 days1085 days
Summer 2007 Credit Crunch
  % Loss-27.5%-8.6%
  % Gain to Breakeven38.0%9.5%
  Time to Breakeven2166 days47 days

Compare to RPRX, INVA

In The Past

Ligand Pharmaceuticals's stock fell -20.8% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 26.2% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

About Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND)

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in developing and acquiring innovative technologies designed to assist other pharmaceutical companies in the discovery and development of new medicines globally. A core aspect of its business is its proprietary Captisol technology, a formulation enhancer that helps improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of drugs, which it also sells as a material to other manufacturers.

The company maintains a broad portfolio of commercialized medicines, many of which leverage its foundational technologies or have been acquired. Key products include Kyprolis and Evomela for multiple myeloma, Veklury for COVID-19, Rylaze for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and specific Captisol-enabled formulations like Zulresso for postpartum depression and Nexterone for cardiovascular issues. Ligand's diverse offerings also extend to vaccines for pneumococcal disease, treatments for osteoporosis, and various autoimmune conditions.

Beyond its direct commercialized products, Ligand partners with and licenses its technologies to numerous pharmaceutical companies, whose programs are in clinical development across a wide spectrum of therapeutic areas, including cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Therefore, its primary customers include other pharmaceutical companies utilizing its technologies and materials, with the ultimate beneficiaries being patients worldwide who receive the medicines developed and marketed through Ligand's contributions.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are 1-2 brief analogies to describe Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND):

  • Qualcomm for pharmaceutical innovation: Ligand develops and licenses foundational technologies, such as its Captisol material, that help other pharmaceutical companies discover and develop a wide range of medicines, similar to how Qualcomm provides essential chip technology and IP for the mobile industry.
  • Unilever for drug assets: Ligand manages a diverse portfolio of commercialized pharmaceutical products and development programs across various therapeutic areas, much like how Unilever manages a vast array of consumer brands.

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • Kyprolis: A pharmaceutical used to treat multiple myeloma.
  • Evomela: A pharmaceutical used to treat multiple myeloma.
  • Veklury: A treatment for moderate or severe COVID-19.
  • Teriparatide injection product: A medication used for osteoporosis.
  • Vaxneuvance: A vaccine for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Pneumosil: A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for preventing pneumococcal pneumonia in children.
  • Rylaze: A recombinant erwinia asparaginase for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma.
  • Nexterone: A Captisol-enabled formulation of amiodarone.
  • Zulresso: A Captisol-enabled formulation of brexanolone for treating postpartum depression.
  • Noxafil-IV: A Captisol-enabled formulation of posaconazole for intravenous use.
  • Duavee: A medication for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
  • Aziyo portfolio: Includes commercial pericardial repair products and CanGaroo envelope extracellular matrix products.
  • Exemptia: A pharmaceutical for autoimmune diseases.
  • Vivitra: A pharmaceutical for breast cancer.
  • Bryxta: A pharmaceutical product indicated for various conditions.
  • Zybev: A pharmaceutical product indicated for various conditions.
  • Minnebro: A pharmaceutical for the treatment of hypertension.
  • Captisol materials: Proprietary materials sold to pharmaceutical companies for drug formulation.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND) primarily sells to other companies, specifically within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Based on the provided company description, Ligand's business model involves developing or acquiring technologies (such as its Captisol material) and licensing programs that help other pharmaceutical companies discover, develop, and commercialize medicines. It also sells Captisol materials directly to these companies for use in their drug formulations.

While the description lists numerous commercial programs and products that utilize Ligand's technologies or are part of its licensed portfolio (e.g., Kyprolis, Veklury, Vaxneuvance, Rylaze, Zulresso, Noxafil-IV), it does not explicitly name the specific pharmaceutical companies that are direct customers or licensees for these programs and products. Therefore, a definitive list of named customer companies with their symbols cannot be provided from the given background information.

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Todd Davis, Chief Executive Officer

Todd Davis was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ligand Pharmaceuticals in December 2022 and has been a member of the company's Board of Directors since 2007. He brings over 30 years of operational and investment experience in the biopharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. Mr. Davis was a founder and Managing Partner of HealthCare Royalty Partners (now HCRx), a global healthcare investment firm that grew to approximately $4 billion in capital commitments during his tenure. He also founded RoyaltyRx Capital in 2018, a special opportunities investment firm. His experience includes serving as a partner at Apax Partners, focusing on biopharmaceutical growth equity investments, and holding leadership roles in corporate development and general management at Elan Pharmaceuticals. He began his career in sales at Abbott Laboratories. Mr. Davis's extensive background with HealthCare Royalty Partners and Apax Partners demonstrates a pattern of managing companies backed by investment and private equity firms. He has also served on the boards of several biopharmaceutical companies.

Tavo Espinoza, Chief Financial Officer

Octavio "Tavo" Espinoza became Ligand Pharmaceuticals' Chief Financial Officer in November 2022, having joined the company in 2016. Before his appointment as CFO, he held positions as Senior Vice President of Finance from 2019 to 2022 and Senior Director of Accounting from 2016 to 2019 at Ligand. Prior to his time at Ligand, Mr. Espinoza served as Senior Director, Finance for Receptos, a publicly traded drug-discovery company that was subsequently acquired by Celgene (now Bristol-Myers Squibb), indicating his involvement with a company that was sold to an acquirer. He also held senior finance and accounting roles at Illumina and Intuit, and started his professional career in public accounting at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Espinoza is a Certified Public Accountant in California.

Andrew Reardon, Chief Legal Officer

Andrew Reardon has served as Ligand Pharmaceuticals' Chief Legal Officer since 2022. Before assuming this role, he was a Vice President and Special Counsel to the company. Mr. Reardon previously held the position of Chief Legal Officer at HealthCare Royalty Partners for over a decade, a global healthcare investment firm co-founded by Ligand's CEO, Todd Davis. His professional experience also includes working at the international law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where he focused on corporate transactions, including finance and mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, he served as an executive with Citibank from 1997 to 2000.

AI Analysis | Feedback

The key risks to Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND) largely stem from its unique business model, which centers on technology licensing and royalty aggregation rather than direct drug development and commercialization.

  1. Reliance on Partner Success and Intellectual Property for Royalty and Milestone Revenue: Ligand's revenue is heavily dependent on the success of its collaboration partners in developing, gaining regulatory approval for, and commercially launching drugs that utilize Ligand's licensed technologies, such as Captisol, or for which Ligand owns royalty rights. Partners have significant discretion regarding the pursuit of development programs, and any failure to successfully develop a product, termination of agreements, or changes in partner strategy can directly reduce Ligand's milestone and royalty income. Discontinuation of partner programs can lead to financial asset impairment. Furthermore, the sustainability of Ligand's royalty-driven growth model faces risks from drug pricing pressures or the underperformance of key partnered drugs.

  2. Dependence on Captisol Technology and its Intellectual Property: Captisol is a proprietary, patent-protected technology critical to many of Ligand's commercial programs, enabling the solubility and stability of various drugs. The company maintains a broad global patent portfolio for Captisol, with the latest expiration dates extending to 2033-2035, and other applications potentially to 2040-2041. However, the competitive advantage derived from Captisol could be eroded by patent expirations, the development of superior competing drug delivery technologies, or its obsolescence. Additionally, Ligand is dependent on a single-source supplier for Captisol, which poses a supply chain disruption risk.

  3. Intense Competition for Royalty Acquisition Opportunities and in Biopharmaceutical Technologies: Ligand operates in a fiercely competitive market for acquiring high-quality royalty assets, which is a core part of its growth strategy. It competes with various entities, including other product-marketing companies and financial institutions, some of which may possess advantages such as lower capital costs, greater size, or existing strategic relationships. Beyond royalty acquisition, the biopharmaceutical industry is characterized by rapid technological advancements and intense competition. Ligand faces the constant threat of new entrants or existing competitors introducing superior drug delivery systems or other enabling technologies that could diminish the value or demand for its platforms, such as Captisol.

AI Analysis | Feedback

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AI Analysis | Feedback

Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND) is involved in developing and acquiring technologies to help pharmaceutical companies discover and develop medicines. The addressable markets for its main products and services are as follows:

  • Multiple Myeloma (Kyprolis, Evomela): The global multiple myeloma market size was estimated at USD 31.00 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 49.79 billion by 2034. The market size in the United States was approximately USD 14,300 million in 2023.
  • COVID-19 Therapeutics (Veklury): The global COVID-19 therapeutics market size was valued at USD 30.7 billion in 2021 and was projected to contract to more than USD 16.2 billion by the end of 2031. Another estimate places the global COVID-19 therapeutics market size at USD 32542.5 million in 2025, projected to reach USD 8701.97 million by 2033.
  • Osteoporosis (Teriparatide injection product, Duavee): The global osteoporosis drugs market size was valued at USD 16.6 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach USD 25.4 billion by 2032. The global osteoporosis treatment market was valued at USD 10.75 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 19.68 billion by 2032. Specifically for Teriparatide, the global market for Teriparatide Injection was valued at approximately USD 2 billion and is anticipated to reach over USD 4 billion by 2032.
  • Pneumococcal Vaccine (Vaxneuvance, Pneumosil): The global pneumococcal vaccine market size was estimated at USD 8,070.9 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 12,191.7 million by 2030. Another report valued the global pneumococcal vaccine market at USD 8.8 billion in 2024, expecting it to grow to USD 15.1 billion in 2034.
  • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia / Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (Rylaze): The global Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia market size was USD 3720 million in 2025 and is expected to boost sales to USD 6585.32 million by 2033. The acute lymphoblastic leukemia market across the top 7 major markets (US, EU4, UK, and Japan) reached a value of USD 2,270.5 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4,137.2 million by 2035.
  • Postpartum Depression (Zulresso): The global postpartum depression drugs market size was estimated at USD 838.4 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 1.59 billion by 2030. The global postpartum depression treatment market size was valued at USD 114.83 million in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 1,379.85 million by 2034. The postpartum depression market size in the 7MM (United States, EU4, UK, and Japan) was estimated to be USD 260 million in 2023.
  • Breast Cancer (Vivitra): The global breast cancer drugs market size was estimated at USD 36.62 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 69.72 billion by 2033. Another report valued the global breast cancer market at USD 38.41 billion in 2025, projected to reach USD 89.91 billion by 2034.
  • Hypertension (Minnebro): The global anti-hypertensive drugs market size was valued at USD 23.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 35.5 billion by 2034. Another source estimates the global hypertension drugs market size at USD 27.8 billion in 2025, likely to cross USD 39.98 billion by 2035.
  • Captisol materials: null
  • Nexterone: null
  • Aziyo portfolio: null
  • Exemptia: null
  • Bryxta: null
  • Zybev: null

AI Analysis | Feedback

Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND) is poised for future revenue growth over the next 2-3 years, primarily driven by its robust royalty-generating portfolio, strategic investments in new assets, and the continued commercialization of key partnered products. Here are 3-5 expected drivers of future revenue growth: * **Growth from key commercial royalty products:** Ligand expects significant royalty revenue growth from several already launched products. These include Filspari, Ohtuvayre (Verona Pharma's ensifentrine, a treatment for COPD), Capvaxive (Merck's pneumococcal vaccine), Qarziba, Rylaze, Vaxneuvance, and Kyprolis. Management anticipates royalty revenues to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of at least 23% through 2030, with projections for 2026 royalty revenue reaching $200 million to $225 million. This growth is expected to be fueled by expanding markets and, in some cases, additional label or geographic opportunities. * **New product launches, notably Zelsuvmi:** The acquisition and subsequent launch of Zelsuvmi (berdazimer gel) for molluscum contagiosum infection is expected to be a significant contributor to royalty revenue growth. Zelsuvmi has already shown strong early sales performance. * **Strategic investments and disciplined capital deployment:** Ligand is actively pursuing new deals and deploying its substantial capital to acquire additional royalty interests, a core part of its business model. The company has stated it has approximately $1 billion in deployable capital, which is anticipated to enhance long-term royalty revenue growth through strategic investment allocation. * **Increased Captisol material sales:** While the company is shifting to a more royalty-focused model, sales of its proprietary Captisol materials are also projected to increase. This anticipated rise is partly driven by an expected inventory build for Gilead's Veklury, a Captisol-enabled formulation used for COVID-19 treatment.

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Share Repurchases

  • Ligand Pharmaceuticals announced a share repurchase program in August 2023, authorizing the company to buy back up to $50 million worth of its shares, with the program expiring in April 2026.
  • In Q3 2024, Ligand Pharmaceuticals spent $81.9 million on share buybacks.
  • As of September 2025, Ligand Pharmaceuticals's 3-Year Share Buyback Ratio was -4.40%, which can reflect no repurchases or potential share issuance over the period.

Share Issuance

  • In August 2025, Ligand Pharmaceuticals announced an offering of $400 million of convertible senior notes due in 2030.
  • Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated filed a Follow-on Equity Offering in the amount of $100 million in February 2026.
  • Ligand Pharmaceuticals's shares outstanding increased by 0.4% in Q3 2025.

Outbound Investments

  • Ligand Pharmaceuticals deployed $192 million across eight investments in 2024.
  • Over the past two years (as of December 2025), Ligand committed over $400 million of investment capital across various strategies, including one "needle-moving immediate deal transaction" each year, such as Apeiron in 2024 and Pelthos in 2025.
  • Key acquisitions include Apeiron Biologics for $100 million in July 2024 and assets of Novan, Inc. for $12.2 million in September 2023, which included the NITRICIL™ technology platform and berdazimer gel.

Capital Expenditures

  • Ligand Pharmaceuticals reported capital expenditures of $15,000 in Q3 2024.
  • The company's capital expenditure (LTM) was $2.41 million as of June 2024.
  • Ligand Pharmaceuticals operates with an "infrastructure-light" model, contributing to low capital expenditures.

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Peer Comparisons

Peers to compare with:

Financials

LGNDRPRXINVAMedian
NameLigand P.Royalty .Innoviva  
Mkt Price295.7057.9720.6857.97
Mkt Cap5.925.81.55.9
Rev LTM2912,536440440
Op Inc LTM1001,581163163
FCF LTM1202,976191191
FCF 3Y Avg502,684182182
CFO LTM1322,976191191
CFO 3Y Avg782,684183183

Growth & Margins

LGNDRPRXINVAMedian
NameLigand P.Royalty .Innoviva  
Rev Chg LTM54.9%10.0%18.8%18.8%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg23.2%2.6%14.9%14.9%
Rev Chg Q33.7%16.5%19.3%19.3%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM5.9%3.9%4.6%4.6%
Op Inc Chg LTM800.1%-14.1%-7.9%-7.9%
Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg199.9%22.9%17.1%22.9%
Op Mgn LTM34.5%62.3%36.9%36.9%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg10.9%61.7%41.9%41.9%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM-2.4%-5.6%-1.2%-2.4%
CFO/Rev LTM45.3%117.4%43.5%45.3%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg36.9%113.7%48.5%48.5%
FCF/Rev LTM41.2%117.4%43.3%43.3%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg18.5%113.7%48.0%48.0%

Valuation

LGNDRPRXINVAMedian
NameLigand P.Royalty .Innoviva  
Mkt Cap5.925.81.55.9
P/S20.410.23.510.2
P/Op Inc59.316.39.316.3
P/EBIT24.315.13.515.1
P/E30.131.74.330.1
P/CFO45.08.77.98.7
Total Yield3.3%4.7%23.5%4.7%
Dividend Yield0.0%1.5%0.0%0.0%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg1.0%16.7%14.1%14.1%
D/E0.20.30.20.2
Net D/E-0.00.3-0.2-0.0

Returns

LGNDRPRXINVAMedian
NameLigand P.Royalty .Innoviva  
1M Rtn-6.5%2.7%-7.0%-6.5%
3M Rtn34.1%12.7%-8.2%12.7%
6M Rtn58.2%32.9%-4.4%32.9%
12M Rtn97.1%57.6%12.8%57.6%
3Y Rtn339.9%106.0%53.2%106.0%
1M Excs Rtn-8.8%0.4%-9.4%-8.8%
3M Excs Rtn28.8%9.9%-14.4%9.9%
6M Excs Rtn43.4%19.2%-17.0%19.2%
12M Excs Rtn79.8%37.7%-10.3%37.7%
3Y Excs Rtn272.8%32.9%-15.3%32.9%

Comparison Analyses

null

FDA Approved Drugs Data

Expand for More
Post-Approval Fwd Returns
FDA
App #
Brand
Name
Generic
Name
Dosage
Form
FDA
Approval
3M
Rtn
6M
Rtn
1Y
Rtn
2Y
Rtn
Total
Rtn
NDA203791  SITAVIGacyclovirtablet412201369.1%83.2%136.0%220.7%1,039.9%
Collapse to Preview
Post-Approval Fwd Returns
FDA
App #
Brand
Name
Generic
Name
Dosage
Form
FDA
Approval
3M
Rtn
6M
Rtn
1Y
Rtn
2Y
Rtn
Total
Rtn
NDA203791  SITAVIGacyclovirtablet412201369.1%83.2%136.0%220.7%1,039.9%

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment
$ Mil20252024202320222021
Development and licensing of biopharmaceutical assets268167131196 
Captisol    164
Contract revenue and other income    28
Royalties    49
Total268167131196242


Operating Income by Segment
$ Mil2014201320122011
CyDex221515
Ligand-20-1-6
Total20151-1


Net Income by Segment
$ Mil202520242023
Development and licensing of biopharmaceutical assets124-454
Total124-454


Assets by Segment
$ Mil2014201320122011
Ligand1843829111
CyDex7466769
Total258105104121


Price Behavior

Price Behavior
Market Price$295.70 
Market Cap ($ Bil)5.9 
First Trading Date11/18/1992 
Distance from 52W High-8.3% 
   50 Days200 Days
DMA Price$281.14$222.75
DMA Trendupup
Distance from DMA5.2%32.7%
 3M1YR
Volatility35.7%36.0%
Downside Capture-22.7155.53
Upside Capture109.39120.46
Correlation (SPY)15.6%29.5%
LGND Betas & Captures as of 7/31/2026

 1M2M3M6M1Y3Y
Beta0.920.140.470.960.820.97
Up Beta3.001.461.500.961.450.84
Down Beta0.49-0.95-1.150.14-0.020.71
Up Capture-28%92%130%178%152%277%
Bmk +ve Days11223567138427
Stock +ve Days7253568135408
Down Capture117%-55%34%89%62%101%
Bmk -ve Days11212859114326
Stock -ve Days15182858117344

[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with LGND
LGND102.7%36.0%2.02-
Sector ETF (XLV)32.4%15.6%1.6027.3%
Equity (SPY)23.4%12.8%1.3729.1%
Gold (GLD)28.7%28.4%0.8814.0%
Commodities (DBC)37.2%20.1%1.46-11.4%
Real Estate (VNQ)12.4%13.8%0.6018.7%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)-44.9%43.0%-1.2711.1%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 5-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with LGND
LGND21.7%44.0%0.58-
Sector ETF (XLV)6.6%15.0%0.2535.3%
Equity (SPY)13.5%17.2%0.6143.5%
Gold (GLD)18.9%18.6%0.836.5%
Commodities (DBC)9.2%19.6%0.36-0.3%
Real Estate (VNQ)2.1%18.9%0.0136.1%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)10.6%52.9%0.3918.1%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
Annualized
Return
Annualized
Volatility
Sharpe
Ratio
Correlation
with LGND
LGND8.2%45.5%0.34-
Sector ETF (XLV)10.2%16.6%0.5042.1%
Equity (SPY)15.4%17.9%0.7345.1%
Gold (GLD)12.1%16.2%0.616.2%
Commodities (DBC)7.7%18.1%0.3410.0%
Real Estate (VNQ)4.6%20.7%0.1834.6%
Bitcoin (BTCUSD)58.3%66.2%0.9811.9%

Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date7152026
Short Interest: Shares Quantity1.9 Mil
Short Interest: % Change Since 6302026-9.6%
Average Daily Volume0.4 Mil
Days-to-Cover Short Interest5.0 days
Basic Shares Quantity20.1 Mil
Short % of Basic Shares9.6%

Earnings Returns History

Updated 8/11/2026
Expand for More
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
8/6/2026-0.8%  
5/7/2026-9.6%-4.9%1.9%
2/26/20262.5%9.2%6.4%
11/6/20259.4%8.0%-3.0%
8/7/20252.8%9.6%17.1%
5/8/2025-2.9%-0.5%0.4%
2/27/20250.6%0.3%-4.6%
11/7/202411.1%4.4%6.8%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive161811
# Negative9613
Median Positive4.4%6.2%4.6%
Median Negative-5.5%-9.2%-5.7%
Max Positive19.9%27.0%18.4%
Max Negative-9.6%-18.0%-22.0%
Collapse to Preview
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
8/6/2026-0.8%  
5/7/2026-9.6%-4.9%1.9%
2/26/20262.5%9.2%6.4%
11/6/20259.4%8.0%-3.0%
8/7/20252.8%9.6%17.1%
5/8/2025-2.9%-0.5%0.4%
2/27/20250.6%0.3%-4.6%
11/7/202411.1%4.4%6.8%
8/6/2024-5.8%4.0%4.1%
5/7/20249.8%16.5%12.5%
2/27/202419.9%2.5%-7.8%
11/8/20234.6%8.1%18.4%
8/8/20235.3%0.7%-5.4%
5/4/20233.4%1.3%-7.4%
2/22/20234.1%2.5%-4.7%
11/7/202211.3%27.0%4.6%
8/8/20223.5%8.1%-5.6%
5/4/2022-5.5%-18.0%-11.5%
2/17/2022-8.6%-9.9%0.5%
11/9/20219.2%6.3%-5.7%
7/29/2021-4.6%-8.4%-3.9%
5/3/2021-9.1%-12.8%-22.0%
2/3/20210.2%21.9%-20.0%
10/30/2020-0.7%6.0%1.6%
8/3/20201.6%0.4%-13.0%
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive161811
# Negative9613
Median Positive4.4%6.2%4.6%
Median Negative-5.5%-9.2%-5.7%
Max Positive19.9%27.0%18.4%
Max Negative-9.6%-18.0%-22.0%

SEC Filings

Expand for More
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/07/202610-Q
03/31/202605/08/202610-Q
12/31/202502/27/202610-K
09/30/202511/07/202510-Q
06/30/202508/08/202510-Q
03/31/202505/09/202510-Q
12/31/202402/28/202510-K
09/30/202411/08/202410-Q
06/30/202408/07/202410-Q
03/31/202405/08/202410-Q
12/31/202302/29/202410-K
09/30/202311/09/202310-Q
06/30/202308/09/202310-Q
03/31/202305/08/202310-Q
12/31/202202/28/202310-K
09/30/202211/08/202210-Q
Collapse to Preview
Report DateFiling DateFiling
06/30/202608/07/202610-Q
03/31/202605/08/202610-Q
12/31/202502/27/202610-K
09/30/202511/07/202510-Q
06/30/202508/08/202510-Q
03/31/202505/09/202510-Q
12/31/202402/28/202510-K
09/30/202411/08/202410-Q
06/30/202408/07/202410-Q
03/31/202405/08/202410-Q
12/31/202302/29/202410-K
09/30/202311/09/202310-Q
06/30/202308/09/202310-Q
03/31/202305/08/202310-Q
12/31/202202/28/202310-K
09/30/202211/08/202210-Q
06/30/202208/09/202210-Q
03/31/202205/09/202210-Q
12/31/202102/28/202210-K
09/30/202111/09/202110-Q
06/30/202108/03/202110-Q
03/31/202105/06/202110-Q
12/31/202002/24/202110-K
09/30/202011/06/202010-Q
06/30/202008/07/202010-Q
03/31/202005/08/202010-Q
12/31/201902/27/202010-K
09/30/201911/08/201910-Q

Recent Forward Guidance

Updated 8/7/2026

Latest: Q2 2026 Earnings Reported 8/6/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2026 Royalty Revenue225.00 Mil237.50 Mil250.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 237.50 Mil for 2026
2026 Captisol Revenue35.00 Mil37.50 Mil40.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 37.50 Mil for 2026
2026 Contract Revenue10.00 Mil15.00 Mil20.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 15.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Revenue270.00 Mil290.00 Mil310.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 290.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Adjusted EPS99.259.52.8% RaisedGuidance: 9 for 2026
2026 Adjusted Net Income195.00 Mil200.50 Mil206.00 Mil   
2026 GAAP Net Income107.00 Mil112.50 Mil118.00 Mil   

Prior: Q1 2026 Earnings Reported 5/7/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2026 Adjusted EPS8.599.55.9% RaisedGuidance: 8.5 for 2026
2026 Royalty Revenue225.00 Mil237.50 Mil250.00 Mil11.8% RaisedGuidance: 212.50 Mil for 2026
2026 Captisol Revenue35.00 Mil37.50 Mil40.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 37.50 Mil for 2026
2026 Contract Revenue10.00 Mil15.00 Mil20.00 Mil0 AffirmedGuidance: 15.00 Mil for 2026
2026 Total Revenue270.00 Mil290.00 Mil310.00 Mil9.4% RaisedGuidance: 265.00 Mil for 2026

Q4 2025 Earnings Reported 2/26/2026

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2026 Adjusted EPS88.5913.0% Higher NewGuidance: 7.53 for 2025
2026 Royalty Revenue200.00 Mil212.50 Mil225.00 Mil39.8% Higher NewGuidance: 152.00 Mil for 2025
2026 Captisol Revenue35.00 Mil37.50 Mil40.00 Mil-6.2% Lower NewGuidance: 40.00 Mil for 2025
2026 Contract Revenue10.00 Mil15.00 Mil20.00 Mil-60.5% Lower NewGuidance: 38.00 Mil for 2025
2026 Total Revenue245.00 Mil265.00 Mil285.00 Mil15.2% Higher NewGuidance: 230.00 Mil for 2025

Q3 2025 Earnings Reported 11/6/2025

Forward GuidanceGuidance Change
MetricLowMidHigh% Chg% DeltaChangePrior
2025 Revenue225.00 Mil230.00 Mil235.00 Mil8.2% RaisedGuidance: 212.50 Mil for 2025
2025 Adjusted EPS7.47.537.659.9% RaisedGuidance: 6.85 for 2025
2025 Royalties147.00 Mil152.00 Mil157.00 Mil4.8% RaisedGuidance: 145.00 Mil for 2025
2025 Captisol Sales 40.00 Mil 6.7% RaisedGuidance: 37.50 Mil for 2025
2025 Core Contract Revenue 38.00 Mil 26.7% RaisedGuidance: 30.00 Mil for 2025

Insider Activity

Updated 8/4/2026
Expand for More
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Reardon, AndrewCLO & SecretaryDirectSell8042026288.995,0001,444,95111,997,138Form
2Reardon, AndrewCLO & SecretaryDirectSell7062026313.285,0001,566,37713,005,315Form
3Sabba, Stephen LDirectSell6182026254.002,145544,8308,541,766Form
4Haas, Jason DirectSell6152026255.586,4611,651,3201,273,058Form
5Aryeh, Jason DirectSell6122026250.004,5001,125,00025,645,000Form
Collapse to Preview
#OwnerTitleHoldingActionFiling DatePriceSharesTransacted
Value
Value of
Held Shares
Form
1Reardon, AndrewCLO & SecretaryDirectSell8042026288.995,0001,444,95111,997,138Form
2Reardon, AndrewCLO & SecretaryDirectSell7062026313.285,0001,566,37713,005,315Form
3Sabba, Stephen LDirectSell6182026254.002,145544,8308,541,766Form
4Haas, Jason DirectSell6152026255.586,4611,651,3201,273,058Form
5Aryeh, Jason DirectSell6122026250.004,5001,125,00025,645,000Form
6Aryeh, Jason DirectSell6122026250.00500125,00026,770,000Form
7Lamattina, John L DirectSell6122026250.884,5911,151,7746,765,890Form
8Reardon, AndrewCLO & SecretaryDirectSell6022026227.065,0001,135,3169,396,326Form
9Kozarich, John W DirectSell5142026223.501,575352,0129,339,171Form
10Kozarich, John W DirectSell5142026224.00459102,8169,360,064Form
11Kozarich, John W DirectSell5142026231.80467108,2519,686,042Form
12Reardon, AndrewCLO & SecretaryDirectSell5042026231.315,0001,156,5569,572,117Form
13Kozarich, John W DirectSell4022026202.2346794,4408,544,705Form
14Reardon, AndrewCLO & SecretaryDirectSell4022026201.245,0001,006,2248,327,913Form
15Lamattina, John L DirectSell3312026200.762,161433,8426,168,150Form
16Sabba, Stephen LDirectSell3252026207.871,000207,8736,816,769Form
17Espinoza, OctavioChief Financial OfficerDirectSell3132026225.003,057687,8254,727,250Form
18Reardon, AndrewCLO & SecretaryDirectSell3062026206.355,0001,031,7707,608,068Form
19Espinoza, OctavioChief Financial OfficerDirectSell3062026205.8313,4232,762,8224,458,635Form
20Kozarich, John W DirectSell3042026200.5046793,6328,565,256Form
21Kozarich, John W DirectSell2042026195.9146791,4908,460,771Form
22Kozarich, John W DirectSell1062026189.5846788,5328,275,797Form
23Espinoza, OctavioChief Financial OfficerDirectSell12162025188.311,804339,7114,931,086Form
24Kozarich, John W DirectSell12032025195.8446791,4578,640,620Form
25Gray, Nancy Ryan DirectSell11122025205.456,5711,350,0121,662,912Form
26Lamattina, John L DirectSell11122025205.454,179858,5766,312,246Form
27Kozarich, John W DirectSell11052025191.0546789,2198,518,410Form
28Kozarich, John W DirectSell10032025179.4446783,8008,084,849Form
29Aryeh, Jason DirectSell9242025170.8110,0001,708,08811,835,169Form
30Kozarich, John W DirectSell9042025162.2646775,7757,386,344Form
31Kozarich, John W DirectSell8052025131.8846761,5866,064,822Form
Core Cache Last Updated: 8/10/2026