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Analyst

Steve Scala

TD Cowen · covers Healthcare

Period: Reporting periods mapped to calendar 2024 Q4 – 2026 Q2 (7 quarters).

Questions
35on tracked calls
Challenge rate
49%17 of 35 questions
Companies
5questioned at least once
Reporting periods
7with questions

These figures cover the whole profile: every tracked question, all reporting periods.

How to read these numbers

Challenge rate is the share of questions that pushed back, pressed for specifics or questioned management’s assumptions. It describes how questions were asked on the calls tracked here; it does not measure whether any view turned out to be right.

Rounding. Rates are rounded to whole percentages, so a small share can show as 0% even when some questions were challenging. The count beside each rate is exact; “none of N questions” means no question was challenging.

No questions recorded. “—” means there is nothing to calculate: no questions were recorded for that period on the calls tracked here. It does not mean there was no activity.

Fewer than 3 questions. A company-level rate is withheld when fewer than 3 questions were recorded for that company; the questions are still counted everywhere else.

Small samples. Profiles with fewer than 10 questions are marked Limited sample.

Reporting periods. Questions are grouped by the calendar quarter each company’s fiscal reporting period maps to, not by the date of the call. Periods without a calendar mapping are listed separately under their fiscal label.

Questions asked

Grouped by company, most questions first. Open a company to read its questions, newest reporting period first.

Showing 35 of 35 questions from 5 companies

BMYBristol Myers Squibb10 questions · 6 reporting periods · 3 of 10 challenging
BMY company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

after a number of Phase III setbacks in recent years, Bristol actively addressed study conduct deficiencies

ChallengingInnovation & R&DGuidance ReliabilityTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Massacesi gave a general risk-mitigation framework and separated the two delays, but did not state where the prior study conduct remediation now stands.

how will the increased growth of Eliquis in 2026 impact sales in 2027 and beyond?

Revenue GrowthGuidance ReliabilityTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Lenkowsky reaffirmed the prior step-down expectation and noted U.S. sales carry forward, offset by the European patent expiry in mid-Q4.

Calendar 2025 Q4

I don't think this product has grown double-digit in several years but then will in 2026

PricingCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Adam attributed 2026 growth to CPI penalty elimination from WAC reduction. Step down in 2027 driven by EU LOE with expected rapid generic erosion. Strategic reserve contribution not material.

Calendar 2025 Q3

I'm curious if you have concluded the IRA negotiations for Pomalyst and how did the results compare to expectations

Regulation PolicyPricingTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Adam noted negotiations officially conclude tomorrow. Pomalyst will have lost exclusivity by the time MSP takes effect January 2027, so minimal impact expected. Price to be public by November 30.

Calendar 2025 Q2

has this additional analysis occurred and have the discussions already taken place? And if so, is there a path forward

ChallengingInnovation & R&DRegulation PolicyTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Samit confirmed no regulatory discussions yet. Still reviewing data including patient distribution across cohorts. Will share findings at future conferences.

can you clarify whether it's been filed in psoriatic arthritis. And what is your level of confidence

Innovation & R&DDemandTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Samit confirmed PsA submissions made globally. SLE trials enrolling well based on Phase II learnings. Careful real-time data cleaning. Sjogren's also enrolling.

Calendar 2025 Q1

Bristol seems to see a path to positive regulatory on the existing ARISE data. Is that correct? Or is there no such path

ChallengingInnovation & R&DRegulation PolicyTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Samit declined to speculate on regulatory path, noting additional endpoints still need review before engaging regulators on next steps.

to what extent did the Milvexian Phase III trial benefit from the competitor Phase III stoppage

Innovation & R&DCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Samit confirmed AF enrollment complete but event rate low. ACS/SSP readout still expected 2026, AF in 2027. Will communicate if timelines change.

Calendar 2024 Q4

Bristol's second-generation TYK2 completed Phase I in psoriasis in August of 2024, but hasn't progressed

Innovation & R&DCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Samit confirmed backup TYK2 studies completed but not advancing currently. All resources focused on SOTYKTU franchise maximization.

is there any possibility at all for a 2025 readout for either trial

Show response

Samit confirmed both trials tracking well with good enrollment but readouts firmly expected at back end of 2026, not 2025.

PFEPfizer9 questions · 6 reporting periods · 3 of 9 challenging
PFE company page →

Calendar 2026 Q2

can you confirm that the trial versus Dupixent will be a true head-to-head trial powered for superiority

Innovation & R&DCompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2026 Q2 →
Show response

Chris confirmed the Tilrekimig study will be a head-to-head Phase III against Dupixent powered for superiority; a direct answer.

Calendar 2025 Q4

In the VSPRS three data, did the placebo arm gain weight or lose weight

Show response

Boshoff confirmed stable placebo arm with full data at ADA; Bourla reiterated Vyndaqel patent loss assumed in 2028 with no further comment on settlement strategy.

Calendar 2025 Q3

Is Pfizer's determination to persist underpinned by substantial confidentiality data -- confidential data or simply the desire to be a player in obesity

ChallengingM&ACompetitive DynamicsTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Bourla defended extensive due diligence and pricing; characterized Novo offer as repeat effort to catch and kill emerging competitor by gaining de facto control without regulatory scrutiny.

What does the drug pricing deal with Trump allow Pfizer to do that other companies will not be able to do other than, of course, AstraZeneca

Regulation PolicyPricingTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Bourla cited confidentiality of individual company agreements with administration; confirmed some deal elements are public while others are confidential.

Calendar 2025 Q2

I'm just wondering whether you would walk that number down?

Regulation PolicyPricingTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Denton declined to quantify MFN assumptions; on COVID, confirmed no change in expectations but derisking Q3/Q4 delivery in guidance given seasonal uncertainty.

Calendar 2025 Q1

what is the percent utilization of the US plants?

Supply ChainTrade TariffsTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Bourla declined to share specifics but confirmed ample US capacity especially for injectables, with ability to transfer production without building new facilities.

do you think MFN legislation is only the most remote of possibilities or even simply not going to happen?

Regulation PolicyPricingTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Bourla noted MFN absent from president's executive order; priorities are pill penalty, 340B, PBM reform, and lowering patient costs.

Calendar 2024 Q4

What is the range of possible outcomes? And is dropping this version of the compound a possibility?

ChallengingInnovation & R&DProduct LaunchTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Chris Boshoff confirmed Q1 data timeline but did not directly address range of outcomes or whether dropping the compound is possible, deferring to data readout.

can you share with us two or three things in the Pfizer R&D portfolio or system that you think need to be fixed?

ChallengingInnovation & R&DTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Boshoff pivoted to structural changes rather than naming specific problems; Bourla praised speed of changes but acknowledged past portfolio selection weakness.

ABBVAbbVie8 questions · 6 reporting periods · 5 of 8 challenging
ABBV company page →

Calendar 2026 Q1

this time, it seems to be different. So is my recollection correct? And if so, why is it different this time

DemandMacroeconomicTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Jeff distinguished current cycle from Great Recession dynamics, attributing aesthetics headwinds to prolonged inflationary pressure not seen in 40 years rather than typical recessionary compression.

cars consensus is $33 billion in 2031. So are you saying there's upside to that? And Rinvoq is $16 billion in 2031. Are you saying there's upside to that

Revenue GrowthGuidance ReliabilityTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Rob directly confirmed expecting both assets to exceed sell-side peak consensus of $33B Skyrizi and $16B Rinvoq, with significant runway beyond current modeling horizon.

Calendar 2025 Q4

the competition is growing very rapidly. And it looks like it's inevitable. It will make an important impact on SKYRIZI

ChallengingCompetitive DynamicsRegulation PolicyTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Jeff Stewart outlined competitive strategy: head-to-head data vs Entyvio (leading non-IL-23 in UC) as key catalyst, plus Skyrizi subcu induction data closing gap by early 2027. Robert Michael confirmed government agreement provides tariff and pricing mandate exemptions including demonstration projects during the three-year term.

Calendar 2025 Q3

it sounds like IRA discounts are deeper this year than last year. You said it will not impact the long-term outlook, but will it impact the outlook in 2026

ChallengingRegulation PolicyInnovation & R&DTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Rob Michael clarified Vraylar/Linzess IRA prices take effect 2027, no impact on 2026. Roopal Thakkar explained HS Phase III week 16 data still expected end of next year; timeline update on ct.gov reflects open-label extension duration changes, not primary endpoint delay.

Calendar 2025 Q2

why is this economic uncertainty different than in the past? This one seems to be lingering longer than in past soft periods

ChallengingDemandInnovation & R&DTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Jeff Stewart acknowledged this downturn is more chronic than past recessionary periods, compounded by shifting consumer sentiment toward natural look in fillers. Roopal Thakkar detailed Aliada-based next-gen anti-amyloid antibody with blood-brain barrier shuttle technology and long half-life for subcutaneous delivery; patient dosing expected next year. Rob Michael reinforced aesthetics market share stability despite market growth challenges.

Calendar 2025 Q1

Where does AbbVie stand in its analysis of the future of emraclidine? For instance, has a path forward become more clear in the last few months

Innovation & R&DTrade TariffsTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Roopal Thakkar outlined stepwise approach: MAD study this year for higher doses, then Phase 2 if successful. Rob Michael addressed manufacturing footprint, noting Skyrizi is made in the US.

Calendar 2024 Q4

the guidance had been a three percentage point headwind. It was just set on the call four percentage points. A year ago, it was two percentage points

ChallengingRegulation PolicyPricingTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Scott Reents explained the 3% to 4% increase was driven by business mix change as immunology and oncology momentum increased Part D channel exposure. Jeff Stewart confirmed no IRA spillover to commercial.

The guidance for aesthetics was previously greater than $9 billion in 2030. What is that number now

ChallengingGuidance ReliabilityRevenue GrowthTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Scott Reents confirmed the updated long-term aesthetics guidance translates to north of $7B by 2029, reflecting reduced market growth assumptions from low double-digits to high single-digits.

LLYLilly (Eli)5 questions · 5 reporting periods · 4 of 5 challenging
LLY company page →

Calendar 2025 Q4

Are there scenarios where these incremental sales can be delivered without orforglipron being a $5 billion product in 2026

ChallengingGuidance ReliabilityProduct LaunchTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Lucas highlighted that 2026 price erosion will be low-to-mid teens vs high single digits in 2025, which investors need to factor. Confirmed early oral GLP-1 competitor data from first four weeks shows mainly market expansion, consistent with Lilly expectations and guidance assumptions.

Calendar 2025 Q3

has the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 3 interim already been taken? The initiation of remternetug in the same setting would not seem the best sign for donanemab in Alzheimer's prevention

ChallengingInnovation & R&DTranscript · FY2025 Q3 →
Show response

Anne declined to comment on interim status. Confirmed enrollment complete with event-based readout projected for 2027 but could be earlier. Reframed remternetug as innovation opportunity with subcu dosing and monthly administration, not a signal about donanemab.

Calendar 2025 Q2

With what is widely viewed as disappointing orforglipron data, it seems injectables are where it's at for the foreseeable future

ChallengingCompetitive DynamicsDemandTranscript · FY2025 Q2 →
Show response

Ilya quantified CVS impact as a couple hundred thousand TRx, framing it against 1.7M TRx added in Q2. July TRx returned to ~May average levels. Impact is on growth rate, not absolute growth.

Calendar 2025 Q1

Lilly used aggressive formulary positioning as a lever with touts against other IL-17 competitors and, therefore, reduce choice

Competitive DynamicsPricingTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Dave challenged the premise, recalling Taltz strategy was to go from 1-of-1 to 2-of-2 as a follower. Noted obesity has only 2 players with meaningful differentiation, making exclusive formularies less common.

Calendar 2024 Q4

can you state that there has not been any conversations within Lilly questioning whether we are all significantly over our skis on this market

ChallengingDemandCapex InvestmentTranscript · FY2024 Q4 →
Show response

Dave gave a forceful defense of the market opportunity, acknowledging turbulence in H2 2024 projections but expressing zero doubt about continued CapEx need.

MRKMerck & Co., Inc.3 questions · 3 reporting periods · 2 of 3 challenging
MRK company page →

Calendar 2026 Q1

What are the gating factors for FDA acceptance of the enlicotide application? And Dean, can you speak to the changes that you're pursuing on titration

Innovation & R&DRegulation PolicyTranscript · FY2026 Q1 →
Show response

Dean Li expressed continued confidence in a second-half 2026 approval timeline, noting the CNPV rolling submission is progressing well with active FDA discussions on labeling and dosing instructions.

Calendar 2025 Q4

is this what we should expect from Merck going forward? A company that grows modestly in good times

ChallengingRevenue GrowthGuidance ReliabilityTranscript · FY2025 Q4 →
Show response

Rob pointed to the $70B commercial opportunity, 2025 ex-LOE growth of roughly 5-8%, and ongoing early-stage pipeline plus BD as drivers of long-term sustainable growth.

Calendar 2025 Q1

Regarding GARDASIL growth slowdown globally, which seems to be a new disclosure, what new information emerged

ChallengingGuidance ReliabilityDemandTranscript · FY2025 Q1 →
Show response

Caroline attributed the ex-China slowdown to the Japan catch-up cohort ending March 31; reaffirmed $11B target was withdrawn last quarter.

Challenge rate by company

Every company this analyst questioned, most questions first. A company-level rate is shown from 3 questions; below that it is withheld.

CompanyQuestionsChallenge rate
BMY Bristol Myers Squibb1030%3 of 10 questions
PFE Pfizer933%3 of 9 questions
ABBV AbbVie863%5 of 8 questions
LLY Lilly (Eli)580%4 of 5 questions
MRK Merck & Co., Inc.367%2 of 3 questions
  • BMY
    Bristol Myers Squibb · 10 questions
    30%3 of 10 questions
  • PFE
    Pfizer · 9 questions
    33%3 of 9 questions
  • ABBV
    AbbVie · 8 questions
    63%5 of 8 questions
  • LLY
    Lilly (Eli) · 5 questions
    80%4 of 5 questions
  • MRK
    Merck & Co., Inc. · 3 questions
    67%2 of 3 questions

Activity by reporting period

Questions recorded for each calendar quarter that companies’ reporting periods map to (not the call date), with the challenge rate for that period. Periods inside the range with no questions are shown as “No questions recorded”.

Questions by calendar reporting period
Calendar periodQuestionsChallenge rateCompanies
2024 Q4771%5 of 7 questions4
2025 Q1729%2 of 7 questions5
2025 Q2560%3 of 5 questions4
2025 Q3560%3 of 5 questions4
2025 Q4560%3 of 5 questions5
2026 Q130%none of 3 questions2
2026 Q2333%1 of 3 questions2
  1. 2024 Q47 questions · challenge rate 71% (5 of 7 questions) · 4 companies
  2. 2025 Q17 questions · challenge rate 29% (2 of 7 questions) · 5 companies
  3. 2025 Q25 questions · challenge rate 60% (3 of 5 questions) · 4 companies
  4. 2025 Q35 questions · challenge rate 60% (3 of 5 questions) · 4 companies
  5. 2025 Q45 questions · challenge rate 60% (3 of 5 questions) · 5 companies
  6. 2026 Q13 questions · challenge rate 0% (none of 3 questions) · 2 companies
  7. 2026 Q23 questions · challenge rate 33% (1 of 3 questions) · 2 companies

Topics

Topics tagged on this analyst’s questions.

  • Innovation & R&D16
  • Regulation Policy10
  • Competitive Dynamics8
  • Guidance Reliability7
  • Pricing7
  • Demand6
  • Revenue Growth4
  • Product Launch2
  • Trade Tariffs2
  • Macroeconomic1
Show all 13 topics
  • M&A1
  • Supply Chain1
  • Capex Investment1