Shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
TEVA,
-2.26%
gained 0.6% in premarket trading after the drug maker beat earnings expectations for the first quarter, even though sales of its multiple-sclerosis drug continue to dwindle. Teva had earnings of $77.0 million, or 7 cents per share, in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $66.0 million, or 6 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share were 63 cents, beating the FactSet consensus of 59 cents. Teva’s revenue for the quarter was $3.9 billion, down from $4.3 billion in the first quarter of 2020. The FactSet consensus was $4.0 billion. The company attributed the decline in revenue to a number of factors, including a 5% drop in sales in North America and falling sales of Copaxone in North America, down 17% to $164 million, and in Europe, down 8% to $100 million. Copaxone was once the company’s top-selling drug. Teva reaffirmed its guidance for 2021, saying it still expects revenue of $16.4 billion to $16.8 billion and EPS of $2.50 to $2.70. Teva’s stock is up 10.4% for the year, while the S&P 500
SPX,
-0.02%
has gained 11.4%.
