Ligand Pharmaceuticals Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 2/6
Ligand Pharmaceuticals's earnings have been declining at an average annual rate of -12.7%, while the Pharmaceuticals industry saw earnings growing at 10.3% annually. Revenues have been declining at an average rate of 3% per year. Ligand Pharmaceuticals's return on equity is 12.2%, and it has net margins of 46.4%.
Key information
-12.66%
Earnings growth rate
-14.72%
EPS growth rate
| Pharmaceuticals Industry Growth | 5.95% |
| Revenue growth rate | -3.02% |
| Return on equity | 12.23% |
| Net Margin | 46.42% |
| Next Earnings Update | 07 May 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
LGND: Royalty Portfolio And Partner Execution Will Shape Balanced Future Outlook
Ligand Pharmaceuticals' analyst price target has been nudged higher to about $247 from roughly $245, as analysts factor in slightly stronger modeled revenue growth, profit margins, and a modestly higher future P/E based on recent royalty pipeline updates and fresh coverage on the Street. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Ligand points to a cluster of higher price targets, fresh coverage and updated royalty assumptions, all of which feed into how analysts are thinking about valuation, execution risk and growth potential for the royalty portfolio.LGND: Royalty Pipeline And Phase 3 Progress Will Drive Future Upside
Analysts have nudged their price target for Ligand Pharmaceuticals to $245.10 from $244.50, reflecting updated views on higher potential revenue growth, a much wider projected profit margin, and a lower future P/E assumption in recent research. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Ligand Pharmaceuticals has been active, with several firms adjusting price targets and reiterating positive views on the company’s royalty driven model and pipeline exposure.LGND: Royalty Portfolio And Phase 3 Readout Will Support Future Upside
Analysts made a small adjustment to Ligand Pharmaceuticals' fair value estimate to $244.50 per share, reflecting updated modeling around its broad royalty portfolio and recent confidence in QTORIN related cash flow potential cited in recent price target and rating updates. Analyst Commentary Recent Street commentary around Ligand Pharmaceuticals centers on the breadth of its royalty portfolio, the progress of QTORIN, and how these factors could influence earnings power and valuation over time.LGND: Royalty Portfolio And 2026 Revenue Mix Will Support Future Upside
The analyst price target for Ligand Pharmaceuticals has been raised by $1.11. Analysts point to steady royalty revenue and increased expectations around QTORIN's potential following positive Phase 3 data as key supports for the updated valuation assumptions.LGND: Stable Fair Value And 2026 Revenue Mix Will Support Future Earnings
Analysts have modestly adjusted their price target on Ligand Pharmaceuticals, reflecting a slightly higher discount rate and a lower future P/E assumption, while keeping their fair value estimate effectively unchanged at $243.44. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Legence provides context for how analysts are thinking about valuation, execution, and growth drivers that may be relevant for investors following Ligand Pharmaceuticals, especially around themes such as data center demand, healthcare exposure, and capital allocation.LGND: Raised 2025 Guidance And Solid Quarter Will Support Future Earnings Power
Analysts have raised their price target on Ligand Pharmaceuticals to $234 from $185, reflecting their view that recent quarterly results and the 2025 guidance update support a higher valuation range for the shares. Analyst Commentary Recent research commentary around Ligand Pharmaceuticals centers on how the latest quarterly results and the 2025 guidance update feed into a higher valuation range, with US$234 now set as a new price target by one major firm.Ligand Pharmaceuticals: 2026 Guidance May Already Be Included In Current Valuation
Jan 28LGND: Royalty Model And 2025 Guidance Raise Will Drive Future Earnings Power
Analysts have nudged their price targets on Ligand Pharmaceuticals higher into the low $230s, citing what they describe as strong recent quarterly results, raised 2025 guidance, and ongoing business development activity as key supports for the updated outlook. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Ligand Pharmaceuticals has focused on the implications of its latest quarter and the updated 2025 outlook, with several firms lifting their price targets into a tight range around the low US$230s.LGND: Royalty Model And 2025 Guidance Raise Will Support Earnings Power
Narrative Update Analysts have lifted their price target on Ligand Pharmaceuticals to the mid $230s, reflecting recent target increases to $234 and $231. They attribute these changes to what they describe as solid quarterly results, a 2025 guidance raise, and ongoing business development activity.LGND: Royalty Model Will Support Expanding Margins And Multi Year Earnings Power
Analysts have nudged their consolidated fair value estimate for Ligand Pharmaceuticals modestly higher to approximately $243 from $238 per share, citing stronger than previously modeled profitability, resilient margin expansion, and the continued validation of the company’s royalty driven model in recent research updates that raised price targets into the low $230s. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts point to the latest price target increases into the low to mid $230s as evidence that Ligand is executing above prior expectations, with stronger earnings power and higher quality of revenue than previously modeled.LGND: Expanded Deal Pipeline Will Drive Multi Year Earnings Power
Analysts have nudged their average price target on Ligand Pharmaceuticals higher to the mid 230 dollar range. This reflects confidence in the company’s strong recent quarter, raised 2025 guidance, and a business model that continues to deliver robust earnings and margin performance.LGND: Upcoming Business Development Activity Will Drive Financial Momentum Into 2025
Ligand Pharmaceuticals' analyst price target increased from $206 to $238. Analysts cited better-than-expected quarterly results, raised future guidance, and continued strong business development activity as key drivers for the upward revision.LGND: Capital Flexibility And Business Model Will Shape Mid-Term Performance Outlook
Ligand Pharmaceuticals’ analyst price target has increased from $183.13 to $206.25. Analysts cite robust Q3 results and an ongoing strong business development model as key drivers for the upward revision.Expanding Royalty Portfolio Will Strengthen Global Healthcare Reach
Ligand Pharmaceuticals’ consensus price target was raised from $178.12 to $183.12, reflecting analysts’ confidence in its strengthened capital position following a successful $460M convertible debt offering, robust revenue and earnings guidance, and a track record of prudent capital allocation and royalty portfolio wins. Analyst Commentary Market enthusiasm following Ligand's successful $460M convertible debt offering, which provided $385M in net capital and included a $45M bond hedge mitigating dilution up to $294/share, as well as a $15M share repurchase.Expanding Royalty Portfolio Will Strengthen Global Healthcare Reach
Ligand Pharmaceuticals' consensus price target was raised to $173.38, reflecting better-than-expected Q2 results, higher FY25 revenue and EPS guidance, growing investor confidence in its royalty portfolio, and successful strategic investments. Analyst Commentary Better-than-expected Q2 results and an increase in FY25 guidance, indicating improved near-term financial performance.Expanding Royalty Portfolio Will Strengthen Global Healthcare Reach
Ligand Pharmaceuticals’ consensus price target has increased to $154.75, primarily driven by a notable surge in net profit margin and a sharp reduction in future P/E, indicating improved profitability and valuation. What's in the News Ligand Pharmaceuticals raised 2025 revenue guidance to $200–225 million from $180–200 million.Revisiting Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Ready To Accumulate If Shares Dip Below $100
Apr 20Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated's (NASDAQ:LGND) Share Price Matching Investor Opinion
Feb 25
Looking Back On Ligand Pharmaceuticals
Feb 03Ligand Pharmaceuticals: Buy This Strong Growing Pharma And Get A Stake In Dozens Of Therapies
Nov 24Market Participants Recognise Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated's (NASDAQ:LGND) Earnings
Oct 31
Expanding Royalty Portfolio And Calculated Acquisitions Set To Skyrocket Revenue And Margins
Significant investment in new opportunities and acquisitions, including Apeiron Biologics, aimed at increasing royalty revenue and diversifying the revenue base.Ligand Pharmaceuticals: Solid Performer Performing Solidly
Jul 29Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:LGND) Stock Rockets 25% As Investors Are Less Pessimistic Than Expected
Jul 18Should You Be Adding Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND) To Your Watchlist Today?
Jun 29Subdued Growth No Barrier To Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:LGND) With Shares Advancing 27%
May 23Ligand: Buy This Pharma Royalty Aggregator To Generate Growth In Your Portfolio
Apr 30Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:LGND) Not Flying Under The Radar
Dec 19Is Now The Time To Put Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND) On Your Watchlist?
Jun 14We Think Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND) Can Stay On Top Of Its Debt
May 29Are Investors Undervaluing Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:LGND) By 45%?
May 07These 4 Measures Indicate That Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND) Is Using Debt Reasonably Well
Jan 26Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Ligand Pharmaceuticals makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Dec 25 | 268 | 124 | 92 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 251 | 49 | 93 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 188 | -76 | 89 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 181 | -133 | 87 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 167 | -4 | 79 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 152 | 45 | 69 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 133 | 42 | 59 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 118 | 96 | 53 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 131 | 54 | 53 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 154 | 21 | 68 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 180 | 41 | 68 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 204 | 51 | 69 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 196 | -5 | 70 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 183 | 23 | 46 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 188 | 27 | 44 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 223 | 45 | 46 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 242 | 76 | 47 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 275 | 68 | 49 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 252 | 48 | 51 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 208 | 39 | 47 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 164 | 7 | 39 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 143 | -16 | 45 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 126 | -25 | 39 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 110 | -61 | 40 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 120 | 629 | 42 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 153 | 594 | 43 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 174 | 677 | 43 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 239 | 764 | 41 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 251 | 143 | 38 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 242 | 179 | 34 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 230 | 120 | 32 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 168 | 53 | 29 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 141 | 13 | 29 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 129 | 16 | 28 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 117 | 9 | 27 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 109 | -3 | 28 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 109 | -2 | 28 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 92 | 7 | 27 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 88 | 205 | 25 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 87 | 235 | 25 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 72 | 230 | 25 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 74 | 231 | 24 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 71 | 33 | 25 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: LGND has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: LGND became profitable in the past.
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: LGND's earnings have declined by 12.7% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: LGND has become profitable in the last year, making the earnings growth rate difficult to compare to its 5-year average.
Earnings vs Industry: LGND has become profitable in the last year, making it difficult to compare its past year earnings growth to the Pharmaceuticals industry (-3.2%).
Return on Equity
High ROE: LGND's Return on Equity (12.2%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/01 01:40 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/04/30 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is covered by 19 analysts. 5 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Jasper Hellweg | Argus Research Company |
| Robert Wasserman | Benchmark Company |
| Jason Zemansky | BofA Global Research |