Why Santarus Shares Soared

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of specialty biopharmaceutical company Santarus shot higher by as much as 16% after reporting better-than-expected first-quarter results.

So what: For the quarter, Santarus delivered revenue growth of 73% to $79.4 million as profits jumped dramatically to $0.25 per share from just $0.01 in the year-ago period. Wall Street had only been expecting revenue in the $74 million range and a profit per share of just $0.14. Gastrointestinal disorders drug Zegerid was the biggest winner, increasing sales 189% year-over-year to $24.6 million, though type 2 diabetes drug Glumetza -- which contributed about 52% of total revenue -- saw sales increase 33% as well. Looking forward, Santarus boosted its full-year revenue and EPS guidance from $320 million to $325 million and $0.63-$0.68, respectively, to $330 million to $340 million and $0.72-$0.81.

Now what: It was another great quarter for Santarus, but I'm still having trouble with the near-vertical ascent in its share price. In order for Santarus to keep its current valuation it'll need sales from recently approved mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis drug, Uceris, to really take off -- and the $6.6 million generated this past quarter was just so-so in my books. I definitely feel it's a company worth watching, but I'd still rather be on the sidelines after this big run higher.

Craving more input? Start by adding Santarus to your free and personalized watchlist so you can keep up on the latest news with the company.

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The article Why Santarus Shares Soared originally appeared on Fool.com.

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