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Prescription for Profit: A Mid-Year Reality Check of the North American Pharmaceutical-Biotech Industry
With current economic reports going from bad to worse, the North American Pharma-Biotech Industry has revealed a rare ray of economic light. The industry as a whole completed construction of 137 capital and maintenance projects carrying a total investment value (TIV) of $6.2 billion in the first six months of 2009 (source: Industrial Info's Pharmaceutical Tracker - Online Database). Yes, projects are being put on hold or cancelled outright, but not at the pace of most other industry sectors. Some of the majors are delaying expansions until pending merger and acquisition activity is complete, such as the Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) and Wyeth (NYSE:WYE) deal.
Remembering that the domestic market remains at the top of the "food chain" despite the dire prognoses for growth is important. Before everyone runs off bemoaning the collapse of the entire industry, the truth of the matter can be seen in the numbers regarding active capital investment in North America. A recent analysis of projects found in the Pharmaceutical-Biotech Tracker - Online Database reveals that more than 450 active capital and MRO (maintenance) projects, with a combined total investment value of slightly more than $17 billion, are scheduled to begin construction in 2009. The undeniable fact of this spending should encourage the more widespread use of another truism when referring to the industry: even when things are really bad, they're still pretty good.
The expected project activity, which carries a healthy average TIV of $38 million, covers both capital projects, which range from expansions and facility upgrades to grassroot projects rising from the ground up or additions that transform existing buildings into state-of-the-art life science facilities. Routinely scheduled maintenance programs are also covered. A large percentage of the current project activity deals with the need to develop new vaccines and treatments that target a host of ailments, the importance of which is underscored by the current swine flu dilemma.
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