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As a vertically integrated plasma derivative producer, Spain-based Grifols collects plasma and then manufactures and sells plasma-derived products globally. By acquiring Talecris in 2011, Grifols dramatically expanded its plasma-derived product portfolio, and following the firm's Biotest acquisition in April 2022, the biopharma business contributed 84% of sales in 2023. Grifols also has smaller segments including diagnostics (10% of sales) and biosupplies.

Biogen and Idec merged in 2003, combining forces to market Biogen's multiple sclerosis drug Avonex and Idec's cancer drug Rituxan. Today, Rituxan and next-generation antibody Gazyva (oncology) and Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis) are marketed via a collaboration with Roche. Biogen markets several multiple sclerosis drugs including Plegridy, Tysabri, Tecfidera, and Vumerity. Biogen's newer products include Spinraza (SMA, with partner Ionis), Leqembi (Alzheimers, with partner Eisai), Skyclarys (Friedreich's Ataxia, Reata), Zurzuvae (postpartum depression, Sage), and Qalsody (ALS, Ionis). Biogen has several drug candidates in phase 3 trials in neurology, immunology, and rare diseases.

Technology remains the heavyweight within the major indices, with a 30% weighting in the S&P 500 (SPX) and around 60% of the Nasdaq 100 (QQQ). Within Technology, semiconductors have stolen the show in 2024 while, surprisingly, others in the sector have struggled. Depending on which semiconductor index/ETF we look at, year-to-date (YTD) returns range from 25% to 63%. Networking is next, up 9%, followed by Social Media and Internet (up 7%), Cloud Computing (up 4%), Cyber Security (up 1%), Software (down 1%), and Software and Services (down 2%).

The Vickers Top Insider Picks is a daily report that utilizes a proprietary algorithm to identify 25 companies with compelling insider purchase histories based on transactions over the past three months.