Ligand Pharmaceuticals Hosts 2025 Investor Day
On December 9, 2025, Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: LGND) held its Investor Day in New York City, presenting robust financial outlooks and growth strategies. The gathering featured insights from the Ligand senior management team and highlighted the company's royalty portfolio, strategic investments, and long-term vision.
2026 Financial Guidance Overview
Ligand Pharmaceuticals introduced its full-year revenue guidance for 2026, projecting total revenues between $245 million and $285 million. This range represents a significant 15% increase in core revenue growth compared to 2025. Key metrics from the guidance include:
- Royalty revenue between $200 million and $225 million, a remarkable 40% increase over 2025
- Core adjusted earnings per diluted share estimated between $8.00 and $9.00
- Increased outlook for long-term royalty receipts supported by a 23% compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
The company anticipates that its robust pipeline and strategic partnerships will drive this growth, particularly through products like Filspari, Ohtuvayre, Capvaxive, and Zelsuvmi.
Reflections on a Successful 2025
Ligand's CEO, Todd Davis, reflected on the firm’s performance throughout 2025, emphasizing the significance of the advancements in its royalty portfolio. He stated, “2025 was an exciting year for Ligand, highlighted by meaningful advancements across our royalty portfolio and important contributions from our partners. Our outlook for the business has never been stronger.”
The strong performance was driven by a projected 40% increase in royalty revenue and an estimated 30% increase in core adjusted earnings per share for the year.
Investment and Royalty Revenue Drivers
During the event, Ligand’s management detailed significant investment activities from 2025, including a commitment of $130 million across six investments. This strategic allocation of a projected $1 billion in deployable capital is expected to spur long-term royalty revenue growth.
The company’s royalty-generating technologies, Captisol® and NITRICIL™, are anticipated to play a critical role in expanding its revenue streams.
Financial Highlights and Insights
Ligand reiterated its 2025 guidance, expecting total core revenues of $225 million to $235 million. This includes:
- Royalty revenue between $147 million and $157 million
- Sales from Captisol projected at $40 million
- Core contract revenue estimated at $38 million
For 2026, new forecasts reflect a continued upward trend, with the company focusing on enhancing its core revenue and maximizing shareholder value.
Webcast Availability
The presentations from the Investor Day are available via live webcast, starting at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Interested parties can access the replay at Ligand's Investor Relations website.
About Ligand Pharmaceuticals
Ligand Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical leader committed to supporting the development of groundbreaking medicines. Through financing and licensing its technologies, Ligand aims to generate sustainable value for shareholders by cultivating a diversified portfolio of biotech and pharmaceutical revenue streams. The company partners with industry giants like Amgen, Merck, and Pfizer to enhance the commercialization and development of innovative products. For more information, visit www.ligand.com.