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Ligand Reports Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results

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(Very Positive)
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Ligand (Nasdaq: LGND) reported second-quarter 2026 revenue and income of $63.7 million, up 34% year-over-year, driven by a 32% increase in royalty revenue to $48.0 million, mainly from Travere’s Filspari, Pelthos’ Zelsuvmi, and Merck’s Ohtuvayre.

GAAP net income was $48.5 million ($2.22 per diluted share) versus $4.8 million a year ago. Adjusted net income rose to $50.8 million ($2.37 per diluted share), up 59% and 48% respectively. For the first half, royalties grew 42% to $91.0 million, with adjusted EPS up to $4.00.

Ligand completed a $700 million 0.00% convertible note offering due 2031, ending June with $1.36 billion in cash and investments. After quarter-end it closed the XOMA Royalty acquisition, more than doubling its portfolio to over 200 royalty assets. 2026 revenue guidance is reaffirmed, while the low end of adjusted EPS guidance is raised to $9.00–$9.50.

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Positive

  • Q2 2026 revenue and income up 34% to $63.7 million
  • Q2 2026 royalty revenue up 32% to $48.0 million
  • Q2 adjusted EPS up 48% year-over-year to $2.37
  • Six-month 2026 royalties up 42% to $91.0 million
  • Cash and short-term investments increased to $1.36 billion at June 30, 2026
  • Raised 2026 adjusted EPS guidance low end to $9.00–$9.50

Negative

  • Captisol sales declined to $16.6 million for six months from $21.7 million
  • Q2 2026 R&D expense rose to $14.7 million from $6.6 million
  • Q2 2026 G&A expense increased to $29.1 million from $20.2 million
  • Six-month 2026 G&A expense grew to $50.0 million from $39.0 million

News Explained

The completed notes add convertible debt; 228,859 repurchased shares and a hedge affect dilution, while related warrants also bear on potential dilution.

Ligand completed its XOMA Royalty acquisition and its convertible-note financing: XOMA holders became entitled to $39 in cash plus one contingent value right per share, while the notes produced about $679 million of net proceeds.

Convertible senior notes are debt with a route to conversion into common stock; issuing additional shares would reduce existing holders’ percentage ownership absent offsetting changes.

Ligand used about $60 million of the financing proceeds to repurchase 228,859 common shares, and says its note hedge is intended to reduce potential conversion dilution; related warrants could affect dilution.

The specific holder-impact watch item is the 2031 notes’ conversion and warrant mechanisms, which would determine whether additional shares are issued.

Market Reaction – LGND

+3.83% $314.15
15m delay
+3.83% Vs previous close
$314.15 Last Price
$297.31 $327.42 Day Range
$6.26B Market Cap
0.3x Rel. Volume

Following this news, LGND has gained 3.83%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. Our momentum scanner has triggered 2 alerts so far, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. The stock is currently trading at $314.15.

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Market Context

Net Selling was recorded in the recent insider activity data. Against this earnings report, that pla...
Analysis

Net Selling was recorded in the recent insider activity data. Against this earnings report, that platform context adds a governance-related risk consideration; low short positioning is also present, while royalty growth, guidance, and acquisition integration remain relevant factors to monitor.

Key Figures

Royalty revenue growth: 32% Total revenues and income: $63.7 million Royalties: $48.0 million +5 more
8 metrics
Royalty revenue growth 32% Second quarter 2026 year over year
Total revenues and income $63.7 million Second quarter 2026 vs. $47.6 million in 2025
Royalties $48.0 million Second quarter 2026 vs. $36.4 million in 2025
GAAP net income $48.5 million, or $2.22 per diluted share Second quarter 2026 vs. $4.8 million, or $0.24 per diluted share
Adjusted net income $50.8 million, or $2.37 per diluted share Second quarter 2026 vs. $32.0 million, or $1.60 per diluted share
Cash and short-term investments $1.36 billion As of June 30, 2026 vs. $733.5 million at December 31, 2025
Convertible senior notes $700 million at 0.00% interest Notes due 2031
Adjusted EPS guidance $9.00 to $9.50 Full-year 2026, previously $8.50 to $9.50

Previous Earnings Reports

5 past events · Latest: May 07 (Positive)
Same Type Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment 24h Move Catalyst
May 07 First-quarter earnings Positive -9.6% Royalty growth and reaffirmed guidance accompanied a reported GAAP loss.
Feb 26 Full-year earnings Positive +2.5% Strong quarterly and full-year results supported reaffirmed 2026 guidance.
Nov 06 Third-quarter earnings Positive +9.4% Revenue and royalties increased while Ligand raised full-year guidance.
Aug 07 Second-quarter earnings Positive +2.8% Royalty growth, higher revenue, and raised 2025 guidance accompanied results.
May 08 First-quarter earnings Positive -2.9% Revenue and royalty growth accompanied a GAAP loss and reaffirmed guidance.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Ligand’s earnings announcements produced mixed reactions, with three aligned positive moves and two divergences despite generally positive reported results.

Key Terms

convertible senior notes, call spread overlay, non-gaap financial measure, contingent value right
4 terms
convertible senior notes financial
"offering of $700 million aggregate principal amount of 0.00% convertible senior notes due 2031"
Convertible senior notes are a type of loan that a company issues to investors, which can be turned into company shares later on. They are called "senior" because they are paid back before other debts if the company runs into trouble. This allows investors to earn interest like a loan but also have the chance to own part of the company if its value rises.
call spread overlay financial
"used approximately $82 million of the net proceeds to enter into a call spread overlay"
An options strategy layered on a stock holding where an investor sells a call option and simultaneously buys a higher‑strike call, creating a “spread” that sits on top of the shares. It generates premium income and limits the seller’s obligation if the stock rises by capping the upside, so it changes the portfolio’s income, potential gains, and risk profile much like renting out an asset while buying a limited insurance policy.
non-gaap financial measure financial
"Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure."
A non-GAAP financial measure is a way companies present their financial results that excludes certain expenses or income to show how they believe their core business is performing. It matters because it can give a clearer picture of how the company is really doing, but it can also be used to make results look better than they actually are.
contingent value right financial
"one contingent value right (CVR) representing the holder’s right to receive potential future payments"
A contingent value right is a special security that gives its holder the right to receive one or more future payments only if specified events happen, such as a product reaching a sales target or getting regulatory approval. It matters to investors because it offers potential extra payout tied to uncertain outcomes—like a bet that a project will succeed—so it can add upside to a deal while also carrying extra risk and valuation uncertainty.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Second quarter performance driven by strong year-over-year royalty revenue growth of 32%

Raises Low End of 2026 Adjusted EPS Guidance; Revenue Guidance Unchanged

Conference call begins at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time today

JUPITER, Fla., Aug. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: LGND) today reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, and provided an operating forecast and business update. Ligand management will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results and answer questions. 

“Ligand delivered another strong quarter, with royalty revenue growing 32% year-over-year and continued momentum from Filspari following its FSGS approval by the FDA,” said Todd Davis, CEO of Ligand. “During the quarter, we also completed a $700 million convertible debt financing at a 0% interest rate, giving us access to low cost capital while maintaining a disciplined capital structure. Shortly after quarter-end, we closed our acquisition of XOMA Royalty, adding more than 120 commercial, clinical and preclinical-stage assets to our portfolio and further diversifying our royalty base across therapeutic areas, development stages, and partners. This transaction meaningfully strengthens our position as a leading biopharma royalty aggregator and, combined with our broadened portfolio, positions Ligand for a strong second half of 2026 and beyond.”

Financial Results

Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results

Second-quarter 2026 results reflect continued strong momentum in the royalty business, with royalty revenue increasing 32% year-over-year.

Total revenues and income for the second quarter of 2026 were $63.7 million, compared with $47.6 million for the same period in 2025. The 34% increase was primarily driven by higher royalty revenue. Royalties totalled $48.0 million, compared with $36.4 million in the prior-year period, with the 32% increase primarily attributable to royalties earned on Travere Therapeutics’ Filspari, Pelthos Therapeutics’ Zelsuvmi, and Merck’s Ohtuvayre. Captisol® sales were $8.0 million, compared with $8.3 million in the second quarter of 2025. Contract revenue and income were $7.7 million compared with $2.9 million in the prior-year period, with the increase primarily attributable to the timing of milestone events under partner agreements.

Cost of Captisol was $3.2 million for the second quarter of 2026, compared with $2.9 million in the same period of 2025, reflecting lower gross margins due to  changes in customer mix. Amortization of intangibles was $8.1 million, compared with $8.3 million in the prior-year period. Research and development expense was $14.7 million, compared with $6.6 million in the second quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily driven by the $12.3 million research and development funding arrangement with Orchestra BioMed, partially offset by the absence of research and development expenses associated with our former Pelthos business following the deconsolidation of LNHC, Inc. on July 1, 2025. General and administrative expense was $29.1 million compared with $20.2 million in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily attributable to transaction costs associated with the XOMA Acquisition, as well as higher employee-related costs, including increased headcount and share-based compensation, reflecting the Company’s continued investment in its origination and portfolio management functions.

Net non-operating income was $55.7 million for the second quarter of 2026, compared with $2.8 million in the same period of 2025. The increase was primarily driven by a $35.7 million non-cash gain related to changes in the fair value of the Company’s investments in Pelthos Therapeutics’ common stock and Series A convertible preferred stock, a $10.8 million increase in gains on short-term investments, and a $5.1 million increase in net interest income.

GAAP net income was $48.5 million, or $2.22 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2026, compared with  $4.8 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the same period in 2025. Adjusted net income for the second quarter of 2026 was $50.8 million, or $2.37 per diluted share, compared with $32.0 million, or $1.60 per diluted share, for the same period in 2025, representing year-over-year growth of 59% and 48%, respectively. The increase was primarily driven by the 32% year-over-year growth in royalty revenue. Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the table below for a reconciliation of GAAP net income to adjusted net income.

Year-to-Date Financial Results

Total revenues and income for the six months ended June 30, 2026 were $115.4 million, compared with $93.0 million for the same period in 2025. The 24% increase was primarily driven by higher royalty revenue. Royalties for the six months ended June 30, 2026 were $91.0 million, compared with $63.9 million for the prior year period, with the 42% increase primarily attributable to royalties earned on Travere Therapeutics’ Filspari, Pelthos Therapeutics’ Zelsuvmi, and Merck’s Ohtuvayre and Capvaxive. Captisol sales were $16.6 million, compared with $21.7 million for the same period in 2025, with the decrease primarily reflecting the timing of customer orders.

Cost of Captisol for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $6.5 million, compared with $7.8 million for the same period in 2025, primarily due to lower Captisol sales. Research and development expenses were $16.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared with $56.7 million for the same period in 2025. The decrease was primarily driven by the absence of the $44.3 million research and development funding charge recognized in the first quarter of 2025 in connection with the D-Fi royalty rights acquired in the Castle Creek Transaction, as well as the absence of $6.4 million of research and development expense associated with our former Pelthos business following the deconsolidation of LNHC, Inc. on July 1, 2025. These decreases were partially offset by the $12.3 million research and development funding arrangement expense recognized in the second quarter of 2026 related to Orchestra BioMed. General and administrative expense were $50.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared with $39.0 million for the same period in 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to transaction costs associated with the XOMA Acquisition, as well as higher employee-related costs, including increased headcount and share-based compensation, reflecting the Company’s continued investment in its origination and portfolio management functions.

Non-operating income, net, was $14.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared with non-operating expense, net, of $11.2 million for the same period in 2025. The $25.3 million year-over-year improvement was primarily driven by a $27.1 million increase in gains on short-term investments and a $9.1 million increase in net interest income, partially offset by a $13.5 million non-cash loss related to changes in the fair value of the Company’s investments in Pelthos Therapeutics common stock and Series A convertible preferred stock.

GAAP net income was $35.2 million, or $1.63 per diluted share for the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared with GAAP net loss of  $37.6 million, or $1.95 per share, for the same period in 2025. Adjusted net income for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $85.4 million, or $4.00 per diluted share, compared with $58.6 million, or $2.94 per diluted share, for the same period in 2025, representing year-over-year growth of 46% and 36%, respectively. The increase was primarily driven by the 42% year-over-year growth in royalty revenue. Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the table below for a reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted net income.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of June 30, 2026, Ligand had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $1.36 billion, compared with $733.5 million at December 31, 2025. The increase was primarily driven by the proceeds from the Company’s issuance of its convertible senior notes due 2031.

Following the completion of the XOMA Acquisition, Ligand has approximately $700 million of deployable capital available to pursue additional royalty acquisitions and strategic investments.

2031 Convertible Debt Financing

On June 25, 2026, Ligand completed its offering of $700 million aggregate principal amount of 0.00% convertible senior notes due 2031, including the full exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional notes.

Net proceeds from the offering were approximately $679 million, after deducting fees and expenses. Ligand used approximately $82 million of the net proceeds to enter into a call spread overlay, consisting of convertible note hedge and warrant transactions, and approximately $60 million to repurchase 228,859 shares of its common stock at a price of approximately $262 per share.

The convertible note hedge transactions are intended to reduce the potential for dilution to Ligand’s common stock upon conversion of the notes. The warrant transactions increase the effective conversion price such that the warrants will not result in dilution unless Ligand’s common price exceeds $524.34 per share.

Ligand expects to use the remaining net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including potential royalty acquisitions, strategic investments, and other growth initiatives.

2026 Financial Guidance Update

Ligand is reaffirming its 2026 full-year revenue guidance and is raising the low end of its adjusted earnings per diluted share guidance range, reflecting stronger than previously anticipated cost synergies from the XOMA Acquisition, incremental net interest income resulting from proceeds of the 2031 Notes, and reduced share count following the Company’s share repurchase in connection with the convertible debt financing. Ligand continues to expect the following:

  • Full-year 2026 royalty revenue to be in the range of $225 million to $250 million
  • Revenue from sales of Captisol is unchanged at $35 million to $40 million
  • Contract revenue of $10 million to $20 million
  • Total revenue of $270 million to $310 million
  • Adjusted earnings per diluted share1 of approximately $9.00 to $9.50 for the full year (previously $8.50 to $9.50)

This guidance reflects the completion of the XOMA Acquisition on its previously anticipated timeline, consistent with the partial-year contribution contemplated in guidance issued earlier this year.

XOMA Acquisition

On July 14, 2026, Ligand announced completion of the acquisition of XOMA Royalty, a biotechnology royalty aggregator. Details of the transaction are as follows:

  • Each outstanding share of XOMA Royalty common stock was converted into the right to receive (i) $39.00 in cash and (ii) one contingent value right (CVR) representing the holder’s right to receive potential future payments derived from the CVR trust’s interest in XOMA Royalty LLC in connection with the Holding Company Reorganization (as defined in the merger agreement);
  • The closing of the transaction met Ligand’s original timeline expectations. We believe the transaction will be immediately accretive and to add approximately $0.50 and $1.50 per share to Ligand’s projected 2026 and 2027 adjusted earnings per share2; and
  • Ligand funded the transaction through cash on hand and expects to retain sufficient capital capacity to continue executing its capital deployment strategy of investing approximately $150 million to $250 million annually in high-value royalty assets.

The XOMA Acquisition strengthens Ligand’s royalty portfolio by adding seven commercial products, including Roche’s VABYSMO® (faricimab-svoa), Servier’s OJEMDA™ (tovorafenib), and Zevra Therapeutics’ MIPLYFFA® (arimoclomol). Additionally, the acquisition adds 14 late-stage development programs, featuring Takeda’s mezagitamab and certain assets from Takeda’s externalized asset portfolio, such as osavampator, volixibat, and OHB-607, along with more than 100 assets in various stages of development to Ligand’s portfolio. As a result, Ligand’s portfolio has more than doubled in size, now comprising over 200 commercial, clinical, and preclinical stage royalty assets.

Key Portfolio Developments

Filspari
  • On April 13, 2026, Travere announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Filspari to reduce proteinuria in adult and pediatric patients aged 8 years and older with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), in patients without nephrotic syndrome. Filspari is currently the first and only medicine approved by the FDA for the treatment of FSGS, marking its expansion beyond IgA nephropathy (IgAN) into a second rare kidney disease.
  • On June 19, 2026, Chugai announced that it filed a new drug application in Japan for sparsentan for the treatment of IgA Nephropathy.
  • On August 4, 2026, Travere reported U.S. net product sales of Filspari of $141 million, representing 96% year-over-year growth driven by the strong FSGS launch and continued IgAN growth.
Ohtuvayre
  • On August 4, 2026, Merck reported net sales of Ohtuvayre of $204 million with net product sales including a benefit from the timing of specialty pharmacy purchases in the U.S.
Qtorin rapamycin
  • On May 4, 2026, Palvella announced the first patients have been dosed in LOTU, a Phase 2 clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Qtorin rapamycin for the treatment of clinically significant angiokeratomas. Clinically significant angiokeratomas represent a rare, chronic and debilitating lymphatic malformation with no FDA approved therapies and an estimated more than 50,000 diagnosed patients in the U.S. Topline results from the Phase 2 trial are expected in the second half of 2027.
  • On June 29, 2026, Palvella announced submission of the first module of its rolling NDA to the FDA seeking approval of Qtorin 3.9% rapamycin for the treatment of microcystic lymphatic malformations (microcystic LMs). Palvella remains on track to submit the remaining modules and complete the NDA submission in the second half of 2026.
  • On August 4 2026, Palvella announced the Phase 3 trial of Qtorin rapamycin for the treatment of cutaneous venous malformations is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Capvaxive
  • On June 18, 2026, Merck announced the FDA approved an expanded indication for Capvaxive to include children and adolescents aged 2 through 17 years who have completed a primary pediatric pneumococcal vaccination series and have one or more chronic medical conditions that put them at an increased risk for pneumococcal disease. With this approval, Capvaxive is the only pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) specifically indicated and studied in the U.S. for use in this patient population.
  • On August 4, 2026, Merck reported net sales of Capvaxive of $184 million, an increase of 42% with the increase primarily driven by launch uptake in several international markets, particularly Asia Pacific and Europe as well as in the U.S.
Tzield
  • On June 12, 2026, Sanofi announced the FDA granted accelerated approval in children aged 8 to 17 years recently diagnosed with stage 3 type 1 diabetes (“T1D”) to delay the decline in endogenous insulin production. Tzield is the first disease-modifying therapy for patients recently diagnosed with stage 3 T1D.
AVIM Therapy/VIRTUE SAB
  • On May 6, 2026, Ligand fulfilled the previously scheduled tranche payment of $15 million to Orchestra BioMed under the royalty-based financing agreement.
  • On May 12, 2026, Orchestra BioMed announced that it is targeting enrollment completion in the AVIM Therapy BACKBEAT trial in the third quarter of 2026. The updated timeline is supported by FDA approval of a reduction in sample size for the BACKBEAT trial to a target total of 284 evaluable randomized subjects, with a total enrollment target of 316 patients accounting for potential loss to follow-up. Orchestra BioMed is targeting top line data in the second quarter of 2027.
BOT/BAL
  • On July 13, 2026, Agenus entered into a securities purchase agreement for a private placement of approximately $85 million in upfront gross proceeds, before the deduction of private placement expenses, and up to an additional $255 million upon the full exercise of purchase warrants. The financing was led by Commodore Capital, with participation from RA Capital Management, TCGX, Invus, and Ligand.
  • On July 13, 2026 Agenus announced the discontinuation of the BATTMAN Phase 3 trial evaluating BOT/BAL in late-line metastatic microsatellite-stable (MSS) colon cancer and has reached alignment on key elements of the new ROBBIN Phase 3 trial design with the FDA. First dosing of the ROBBIN trial for the neoadjuvant treatment of MSS colon cancer is expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Lasofoxifene
  • On May 7, 2026, LeonaBio announced it is amending the ELAINE-3 trial protocol to increase the sample size from 500 participants to up to 600 participants. The primary goal of the amendment is to help ensure that the trial will have the appropriate number of disease progression events. The Company expects to complete enrollment of the Phase 3 ELAINE-3 clinical trial in the fourth quarter of 2026 and to have topline data in the second half of 2027.
Ojemda
  • On April 22, 2026, Ipsen announced Ojemda was granted conditional marketing authorization in the European Union as monotherapy for the treatment of patients 6 months of age and older with pediatric low-grade-glioma harboring a BRAF fusion or rearrangement, or BRAF V600 mutation, who have progressed after one or more prior systemic therapies.
Volixibat
  • On May 4, 2026, our partner announced the primary endpoint was met in the VISTAS Phase 2b study evaluating volixibat, an investigational oral ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor, in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Volixibat demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 2.72 point reduction in the primary endpoint of cholestatic pruritus.
  • On August 5, 2026, our partner announced volixibat was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for cholestatic pruritus due to PSC. Additionally, a pre-NDA meeting was held for volixibat in cholestatic pruritus due to PSC and additional discussions are planned before potential NDA submission.
  • On August 5, 2026, our partner announced enrollment was completed in the VANTAGE Phase 2b study of volixibat in cholestatic pruritus due to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) with topline results expected in Q1 2027.
Ersodetug
  • On June 2, 2026, Rezolute announced positive interim data for its Phase 3 Uplift study in Tumor hyperinsulinism. The company expects to announce topline results for the fully enrolled open-label study in the second half of 2026.

Adjusted Financial Measures

Ligand reports adjusted net income from continuing operations, adjusted net income per diluted share and adjusted earnings per diluted share in addition to, and not as a substitute for, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and does not consider such measures superior to GAAP results. The Company also reports “core” versions of these measures, which exclude any gains on the sale of the Pelthos business.

Adjusted earnings per diluted share is a key component of the financial metrics utilized by the Company’s board of directors to evaluate management performance and determine certain elements of management compensation. GAAP results include items such as share‑based compensation expense, amortization of acquisition‑related and intangible assets, changes in contingent liabilities, mark‑to‑market adjustments on investments in public companies, transaction‑related costs and related tax effects, which are excluded from adjusted results and are detailed in the reconciliations included at the end of this press release.

Conference Call and Webcast

Ligand management will host a conference call today beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (5:30 a.m. Pacific Time) to discuss its results and answer questions. To participate via telephone, please dial (833) 461-5787 using the conference ID 780702347. International participants outside of Canada may use the toll number +1(585) 542-9983. To participate via live or replay webcast, a link is available at  www.ligand.com

About Ligand Pharmaceuticals

Ligand is a leading royalty aggregator, partnering with biopharmaceutical companies to finance and advance late-stage clinical development programs. Ligand owns and manages one of the largest and most diversified portfolios of biopharmaceutical royalties in the industry, with economic interests in more than 200 development and commercial-stage assets. Ligand funds high-value programs in exchange for long-term economic interests, aligning capital with clinical and commercial success. Ligand’s royalty portfolio is designed to deliver consistent and predictable revenue streams across a broad range of therapeutic assets. Ligand also licenses its proprietary technologies, Captisol® and NITRICIL™, to support drug development and formulation across its global partner network. For more information, visit www.ligand.com  or follow Ligand on X and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, regarding Ligand’s current expectations. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, could be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some instances, words such as “plans,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” and “will,” and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our good faith beliefs (or those of the indicated third parties) and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Ligand’s ability to expand its portfolio with life sciences royalty opportunities; the timing of clinical and regulatory events of Ligand’s partners and other commercialization and marketing efforts; the timing of the initiation or completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials by Ligand and its partners; the timing of product launches by Ligand or its partners; and guidance regarding projected 2026 or 2027 financial results. Actual events or results may differ from Ligand’s expectations due to risks and uncertainties inherent in Ligand’s business, including, without limitation: Ligand relies on collaborative partners for milestone payments, royalties, materials revenue, contract payments and other revenue projections and may not receive expected revenue; Ligand may not receive expected revenue from Captisol material sales; Ligand and its partners may not be able to timely or successfully advance any product(s) in its internal or partnered pipeline or receive regulatory approval and there may not be a market for the product(s) even if successfully developed and approved; Ligand may not achieve its financial guidance for 2026 or 2027; Ligand faces competition in acquiring royalties and locating suitable royalties to acquire; Ligand may not be able to create future revenues and cash flows through the acquisition of royalties or by developing innovative therapeutics; products under development by Ligand or its partners may not receive regulatory approval; the total addressable market for our partners’ products may be smaller than estimated; Ligand faces competition with respect to its technology platforms which may demonstrate greater market acceptance or superiority; Ligand is currently dependent on a single source sole supplier for Captisol and failures by such supplier may result in delays or inability to meet the Captisol demands of its partners; Ligand’s partners may change their development focus and may not execute on their sales and marketing plans for marketed products for which Ligand has an economic interest; Ligand’s collaboration partners may become insolvent; Ligand’s and its partners’ products may not be proved to be safe and efficacious and may not perform as expected and uncertainty regarding the commercial performance of such products; Ligand or its partners may not be able to protect their intellectual property and patents covering certain products and technologies may be challenged or invalidated; cyber-attacks or other failures in telecommunications or information technology systems could result in information theft, data corruption and significant disruption to Ligand’s business operations; Ligand’s partners may terminate any of their agreements or the development or commercialization of any of its products; Ligand and its partners may experience delays in the commencement, enrollment, completion or analysis of clinical testing for its product candidates, or significant issues regarding the adequacy of its clinical trial designs or the execution of its clinical trials, challenges, costs and charges associated with integrating acquisitions with Ligand’s existing businesses; Ligand may not be able to successfully implement its strategic growth plan and continue the development of its proprietary programs; restrictions under Ligand’s credit agreement may limit its flexibility in operating its business and a default under the agreement could result in a foreclosure of the collateral securing such obligations; Ligand may not realize the anticipated benefits from investments in financing instruments such as convertible notes, including the 2031 Notes; XOMA’s products pipeline; and changes in general economic conditions, including as a result of war, conflict, epidemic diseases, the imposition and/or announcement of tariffs and ongoing or future litigation could expose Ligand to significant liabilities and have a material adverse effect on the Company. The failure to meet expectations with respect to any of the foregoing matters may reduce Ligand’s stock price. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors affecting Ligand can be found in prior press releases available at www.ligand.com as well as in Ligand’s public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission available at www.sec.gov. Ligand disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements beyond the date of this release, including the possibility of additional license fees and milestone revenues we may receive. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Other Disclaimers and Trademarks

The information in this press release regarding certain third-party products and programs, including Lasofoxifene, a LeonaBio product, AVIM Therapy and Virtue SAB, Orchestra products, Botensilimab and Balstilimab, Agenus products, Filspari, a Travere Therapeutics product, Ohtuvayre, a Merck product, Tzield, a Sanofi product, and Qtorin rapamycin, a Palvella Therapeutics product candidate, comes from information publicly released by the owners of such products and programs. Ligand is not responsible for, and has no role in, the development of such products or programs.

Ligand owns or has rights to trademarks and copyrights that it uses in connection with the operation of its business including its corporate name, logos and websites. Other trademarks and copyrights appearing in this press release are the property of their respective owners. The trademarks Ligand owns include Ligand, Captisol, NITRICIL and Zelsuvmi. Solely for convenience, some of the trademarks and copyrights referred to in this press release are listed without the®,© and™ symbols, but Ligand will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights to its trademarks and copyrights.

References to “Ligand,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and similar expressions include Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and our wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Contacts:

Investors:                                                                                                  

Melanie Herman                                                                                           

investors@ligand.com                                                                                    

(858) 550-7761

Media:

Kellie Walsh

media@ligand.com 

(914) 315-6072       

[Tables Follow]

LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
    
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2026   2025   2026   2025 
Revenues and income:       
Revenue from intangible royalty assets$37,362  $30,084  $70,293  $51,671 
Income from financial royalty assets 10,670   6,313   20,697   12,215 
Royalties 48,032   36,397   90,990   63,886 
Captisol 7,978   8,287   16,632   21,747 
Contract revenue and income 7,683   2,943   7,793   7,327 
Total revenues and income 63,693   47,627   115,415   92,960 
Operating costs and expenses:       
Cost of Captisol 3,214   2,907   6,487   7,756 
Amortization of intangibles 8,097   8,258   16,194   16,515 
Research and development 14,668   6,567   16,816   56,652 
General and administrative 29,123   20,175   49,959   38,976 
Fair value adjustments to partner program derivatives    1,276      833 
Total operating costs and expenses 55,102   39,183   89,456   120,732 
Operating income (loss) 8,591   8,444   25,959   (27,772)
Non-operating income and expenses:       
Gain (loss) from short-term investments 11,754   939   15,623   (11,428)
Gain (loss) from change in fair value of equity-method investments and other investments 35,727      (13,502)   
Interest income, net 5,550   468   10,458   1,372 
Other non-operating expense, net 2,682   1,372   1,507   (1,129)
Total non-operating income (expenses), net 55,713   2,779   14,086   (11,185)
Income (loss) before income taxes 64,304   11,223   40,045   (38,957)
Income tax (expense) benefit (15,796)  (6,376)  (4,882)  1,353 
Net income (loss)$48,508  $4,847  $35,163  $(37,604)
        
Basic net income (loss) per share$2.42  $0.25  $1.76  $(1.95)
Shares used in basic per share calculation 20,063   19,327   19,974   19,259 
        
Diluted net income (loss) per share$2.22  $0.24  $1.63  $(1.95)
Shares used in diluted per share calculation 21,837   19,926   21,548   19,259 
        


LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED

SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA

(unaudited, in thousands)
    
 June 30, 2026 December 31, 2025
    
    
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments$1,357,758 $733,521
Accounts receivable, net 67,011  59,601
Total current and non-current financial royalty assets, net 207,210  219,669
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 310,785  326,979
Equity method investments 42,390  46,500
Other investments 114,483  121,451
Total assets 2,185,875  1,560,637
    
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 41,272  34,691
Total current and non-current contingent liabilities 2,592  3,221
Convertible senior notes, net 1,126,594  446,192
Total liabilities 1,218,359  543,425
    
Total stockholders’ equity$967,516 $1,017,212


LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED

ADJUSTED FINANCIAL MEASURES

(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
    
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2026   2025   2026   2025 
Net income (loss)$48,508  $4,847  $35,163  $(37,604)
Adjustments:       
Share-based compensation expense 13,653   9,997   24,249   17,833 
Non-cash interest expense(1) 381   1,054   816   1,816 
Amortization of intangible assets 8,097   8,258   16,194   16,515 
Amortization of financial royalty assets(2) 1,248   4,177   2,446   6,742 
Change in contingent liabilities(3) (1,116)  52   (492)  1,931 
Pelthos operating loss    8,467      13,212 
(Gain) loss from short-term investments (11,754)  (939)  (15,623)  11,428 
Realized gain (loss) from short-term investments 9,541      10,731   (20)
Transaction costs 5,011      5,011    
Provision for current expected credit losses on financial royalty assets (222)  (420)  (201)  (750)
R&D funding expenses 12,328   857   12,328   46,027 
(Gain) loss from derivative assets (1,369)  71   (532)  245 
(Gain) loss from change in fair value of equity-method investments and other investments(4) (35,727)     13,502    
Other 30   (2,221)  30   (1,778)
Income tax effect of adjusted reconciling items above 4,564   (2,276)  (11,654)  (16,221)
Excess tax (shortfall) benefit from share-based compensation(5) (2,392)  41   (6,565)  (813)
Adjusted net income$50,781  $31,965  $85,403  $58,563 
        
Diluted per-share amounts attributable to common stockholders:      
Diluted net income (loss) per share$2.22  $0.24  $1.63  $(1.95)
Adjustments:       
Share-based compensation expense 0.64   0.50   1.14   0.89 
Non-cash interest expense(1) 0.02   0.05   0.04   0.09 
Amortization of intangible assets 0.38   0.41   0.76   0.83 
Amortization of financial royalty assets(2) 0.06   0.21   0.11   0.34 
Change in contingent liabilities(3) (0.05)     (0.02)  0.10 
Pelthos operating loss    0.42      0.66 
(Gain) loss from short-term investments (0.55)  (0.05)  (0.73)  0.57 
Realized gain (loss) from short-term investments 0.45      0.50    
Transaction costs 0.23      0.23    
Provision for current expected credit losses on financial royalty assets (0.01)  (0.02)  (0.01)  (0.04)
Loss from equity method investment in Primrose Bio           
R&D funding expenses 0.58   0.04   0.58   2.31 
(Gain) loss from derivative assets (0.06)  0.01   (0.02)  0.01 
(Gain) loss from change in fair value of equity-method investments and other investments(4) (1.67)     0.63    
Other    (0.10)     (0.09)
Income tax effect of adjusted reconciling items above 0.24   (0.11)  (0.53)  (0.81)
Excess tax (shortfall) benefit from share-based compensation(5) (0.11)     (0.31)  (0.04)
Adjustment for shares excluded due to anti-dilution effect on GAAP net loss          0.07 
Adjusted diluted net income per share$2.37  $1.60  $4.00  $2.94 
        
GAAP - weighted average number of common shares - diluted 21,837   19,926   21,548   19,259 
Diluted effect of the 2030 Notes(6) (409)     (224)   
Shares excluded due to anti-dilutive effect on GAAP net loss          677 
Adjusted weighted average number of common shares - diluted 21,428   19,926   21,324   19,936 


LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED

2026 GUIDANCE

(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
     
  Low High
Adjusted Net Income $195  $206 
Adjustments:    
Share-based compensation expense  57   57 
Non-cash interest expense  3   3 
Amortization of intangibles(7)  32   32 
Amortization of financial royalty assets  3   3 
Orchestra Bio R&D Investment  12   12 
Transaction Costs(8)  5   5 
Income tax effect of adjusted reconciling items above  (24)  (24)
Total Adjustments  88   88 
GAAP Net Income $107  $118 
     
Shares Outstanding  21.7   21.7 
Adjusted Core Net Income Per Share $9.00  $9.50 
Adjustments on a per share basis $4.06  $4.06 

(1) Amounts represent (a) non-cash interest expense in connection with the royalty and milestone payments purchase agreement assumed as part of the Novan acquisition in September 2023; (b) non-cash debt related costs that are calculated in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance for our convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash and revolving credit facility; and (c) non-cash interest income from notes receivable.

(2) Amounts represent a portion of the contract payments and royalty receipts that are applied to reduce the carrying balance of our financial royalty assets.

(3) Amounts represent changes in fair value of contingent consideration related to CyDex and Metabasis transactions.

(4) Amounts represent loss from change in fair value of equity-method investment in Pelthos and Pelthos Series A Preferred Shares.

(5) Excess tax benefit (shortfall) from share-based compensation is recorded as a discrete item within the provision for income taxes on the consolidated statements of operations as a result of the adoption of an accounting pronouncement (ASU 2016-09) on January 1, 2017. Prior to the adoption, the amount was recognized in additional paid-in capital on the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity.

(6) Excludes the dilutive effect of the 2030 Notes. Although the Company intends to settle the principal amount of the 2030 Notes in cash, diluted EPS is required to be calculated using the if-converted method under GAAP.

(7) Amortization of intangibles excludes the impact of intangible assets that may be recognized in connection with the XOMA Acquisition. Because the valuation of acquired assets and the related purchase accounting have not been finalized, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the resulting amortization expense, which has therefore been excluded from its non-GAAP adjusted EPS guidance.

(8) Amounts represent transaction-related expenses incurred through June 30, 2026, primarily in connection with the XOMA Acquisition. The Company expects to incur additional acquisition and integration-related costs during the remainder of 2026. Because the amount and accounting treatment of such costs are dependent on post-closing activities and other factors that cannot be reasonably predicted, these costs have not been included in the Company’s non-GAAP adjusted EPS guidance.

______________________________________

1 The financial outlook, expectations and other forward-looking statements provided by Ligand for 2026 and beyond reflect Ligand’s judgment based on the information available at the time of this release. Please see the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements” section in this release for factors that may impact Ligand’s ability to meet expectations.

2 Ligand reports adjusted earnings per share in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure.


FAQ

How did Ligand (LGND) perform financially in the second quarter of 2026?

Ligand reported Q2 2026 revenue and income of $63.7 million, a 34% year-over-year increase. According to Ligand, this was mainly driven by 32% growth in royalty revenue to $48.0 million and resulted in GAAP net income of $48.5 million.

What were Ligand’s Q2 2026 earnings per share (EPS) and how did they change year-over-year?

Ligand reported Q2 2026 GAAP EPS of $2.22 and adjusted EPS of $2.37. According to Ligand, adjusted net income and adjusted EPS rose 59% and 48% year-over-year, reflecting strong royalty growth and higher non-operating income versus the prior-year period.

Did Ligand (LGND) update its 2026 financial guidance with the August 6, 2026 earnings release?

Ligand reaffirmed 2026 total revenue guidance of $270–$310 million and royalty revenue of $225–$250 million. According to Ligand, it raised the low end of adjusted EPS guidance to approximately $9.00–$9.50 per diluted share, citing XOMA synergies and higher net interest income.

What are the key terms of Ligand’s $700 million 0.00% convertible notes due 2031?

Ligand issued $700 million of 0.00% convertible senior notes due 2031, receiving about $679 million net. According to Ligand, around $82 million funded a call spread overlay and about $60 million repurchased 228,859 shares at roughly $262 per share.

How does the XOMA Royalty acquisition impact Ligand’s portfolio and earnings outlook?

Ligand completed the XOMA Royalty acquisition on July 14, 2026, adding over 120 royalty assets. According to Ligand, the deal more than doubles its portfolio to 200-plus assets and is expected to add about $0.50 and $1.50 to projected 2026 and 2027 adjusted EPS.

What drove Ligand’s royalty revenue growth in the first half of 2026?

First-half 2026 royalties rose 42% to $91.0 million, primarily from Filspari, Zelsuvmi, Ohtuvayre, and Capvaxive. According to Ligand, Travere’s Filspari and Merck’s Ohtuvayre and Capvaxive were major contributors to the strong year-over-year royalty expansion.

What is Ligand’s liquidity position after the Q2 2026 results and convertible debt offering?

As of June 30, 2026, Ligand held $1.36 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. According to Ligand, after funding the XOMA acquisition it has about $700 million of deployable capital for additional royalty acquisitions and strategic investments.