When Takeda Pharmaceutical (TAK) said that it would develop a coronavirus vaccine, the stock briefly rose. But the real driver for the company's growth will not come from this market. Currently, the main players in the coronavirus treatment will earn almost nothing. Gilead Sciences (GILD) is giving the antiviral away, while Teva Pharmaceuticals (TEVA) will donate hydroxychloroquine sulfate to hospitals across the United States.
If coronavirus drug companies are hot plays right now, why should investors consider buying Takeda? Ultimately, the company's asset divestiture plan will reduce its leverage