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Record-Setting Season as "Sunday Night Football" on NBC and Peacock Averages 23.5 Million Viewers & Paces as Primetime's #1 Show for Unprecedented 15th Consecutive Year
NEW YORK, Jan. 8 [Category: BizMedia] -- NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast, posted the following news:
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Record-Setting Season as "Sunday Night Football" on NBC and Peacock Averages 23.5 Million Viewers & Paces as Primetime's #1 Show for Unprecedented 15th Consecutive Year
NBC Sports - The Home of Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 - Delivers Record 8 SNF Games of 25+ Million Viewers
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NBC Sports capped its milestone 20th season of Sunday Night Football this past weekend with a thrilling Week 18 Ravens-Steelers "AFC North Championship Game" as primetime's #1 show continued its unprecedented
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 8 [Category: BizMedia] -- NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast, posted the following news:
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Record-Setting Season as "Sunday Night Football" on NBC and Peacock Averages 23.5 Million Viewers & Paces as Primetime's #1 Show for Unprecedented 15th Consecutive Year
NBC Sports - The Home of Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 - Delivers Record 8 SNF Games of 25+ Million Viewers
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NBC Sports capped its milestone 20th season of Sunday Night Football this past weekend with a thrilling Week 18 Ravens-Steelers "AFC North Championship Game" as primetime's #1 show continued its unprecedentedrun pacing for a 15th consecutive year atop the charts.
Sunday night's game - which came down to the final play - put an exclamation point on a record-setting season for NBC's SNF, highlighted by:
* A record average of 23.5 million viewers for SNF across NBC and Peacock
* A record 8 SNF games averaging more than 25 million viewers
* Led by Peacock, a record streaming Average Minute Audience (AMA) of 2.5 million viewers.
Based on official Nielsen Big Data + Panel, NBC's SNF easily topped all primetime television series in the fall and once again is pacing to finish as primetime's #1 TV show in all key metrics for an unprecedented 15th consecutive year. NBC's SNF, in the most competitive time slot in media, extended its record for the most consecutive years atop the primetime charts (since 1950):
Most Consecutive Years, #1 Ranked Show in Primetime, Since 1950
15 years in a row - Sunday Night Football (2011-12 through 2025-26; on pace)
6 years in a row - American Idol (2005-06 through 2010-11)
5 years in a row - The Cosby Show (1985-86 through 1989-90)...tied Cheers in '89-90
5 years in a row - All in the Family (1971-72 through 1975-76)
4 years in a row - Gunsmoke (1957-58 through 1960-61)
Sunday Night Football averaged a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 23.5 million viewers for the 2025 season, the show's best viewership ever - up nearly 1 million viewers from the prior record for the series set a decade ago (22.6 million in 2015 season) and an increase of 9% over last season (21.6 million), based on official Nielsen Big Data + Panel and digital data from Adobe Analytics.
"Our milestone 20th season of Sunday Night Football once again delivered a best-in-class presentation with record-setting viewership, thanks to our outstanding technical, engineering, and production teams and our exceptional on-air team of Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark, and Terry McAulay. We look forward to continuing our tremendous momentum as SNF on our NBC stations is pacing to rank #1 in primetime for an unprecedented 15 th consecutive year, and Peacock drives our record-setting streaming, delivering for all partners. We can't wait for the Playoffs and Super Bowl LX in the coming weeks to cap what may be the most exhilarating season in NFL history."
Rick Cordella, President, NBC Sports
The 20th season of NBC's Sunday Night Football culminates with the biggest day in U.S. media - with the presentation of Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. bookended by the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, live and in primetime. NBC broadcasts its 21 st Super Bowl, with live streaming coverage on Peacock and the Spanish-language telecast on Telemundo.
Sunday Night Football Delivers Record 8 Games With 25+ Million Viewers
Sunday night's Ravens-Steelers thriller averaged 25.5 million viewers, peaking at 27.5 million in the second quarter (9:15-9:30 p.m. ET), before climbing back up to an average of 26.1 million viewers for the game's closing minutes (11:30-11:35 p.m. ET).
Baltimore-Pittsburgh marked the record eighth game in this season's NBC SNF package to average at least 25 million viewers - up 33% from the prior record set in 2023 and 2013 (six).
Most Watched Games, 2025 Season, NBC Sunday Night Football package
Game, Date ... Avg. Viewers*
Dallas Cowboys-Philadelphia Eagles, 9/4/25** ... 28.3 million
Cincinnati Bengals-Baltimore Ravens, 11/27/25 ... 27.9 million
Detroit Lions-Kansas City Chiefs, 10/12/25 ... 27.4 million
Chicago Bears-San Francisco 49ers, 12/28/25 ... 27.1 million
Green Bay Packers-Dallas Cowboys, 9/28/25 ... 26.9 million
Green Bay Packers-Pittsburgh Steelers, 10/26/25 ... 25.5 million
Baltimore Ravens-Pittsburgh Steelers, 1/4/26 ... 25.5 million
Kansas City Chiefs-New York Giants, 9/21/25 ... 25.3 million
** Impacted by 65-minute weather delay
Led by Peacock, Record-Setting SNF Streaming Hits 2.5 Million Average Minute Audience (AMA)
Led by Peacock, NBC Sports Digital hit another viewership milestone for Sunday Night Football in 2025, delivering a full-season Average Minute Audience of 2.5 million viewers for the first time across Peacock, NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app, and NFL Digital properties - up 17% from the prior record (2.2 million) set last season.
Across NBC Broadcast Affiliates Nationally, Sunday Night Football Tops All Key Metrics
On NBC broadcast stations, Sunday Night Football topped all primetime shows in average viewership and household rating, and for the 17 th consecutive season ranked #1 among adults 18-49.
Key SNF Full Season Metrics (official Nielsen Big Data + Panel on NBC Broadcast only)
Category ... 2025 ... Primetime Rank
Average Viewers ... 21.0 million ... #1
HH Rating ... 10.3 ... #1
Adult 18-49 Viewers ... 6.85 million ... #1
Source: Official Nielsen Big Data + Panel, 9/4/25-1/4/26
NBC Delivers More Adult 18-49 Viewers Than Any NFL Media Partner
Based upon official Nielsen Big Data + Panel, Sunday Night Football delivered an average of 6.85 million viewers in the Adult 18-49 demographic over the course of the season - more than any NFL media partner.
Football Night in America Is Most-Watched Studio Show for 20th Consecutive Year, With Its Best Season Ever
NBC's Football Night in America studio show averaged 8.8 million viewers from 7:30-8:15 p.m. ET this season - the largest FNIA season audience ever and up 14% from last season (7.7 million). FNIA continues its reign as sports' most-watched weekly studio show for the 20th consecutive year (since the show's 2006 debut season).
In addition, the 8-8:23 p.m. ET portion of Football Night in America (including pre-kick coverage), averaged 14.0 million viewers, which would rank No. 3 among regularly-scheduled primetime shows.
SNF Average (P2+) Viewership Rank Among Primetime Shows:
... Fall TV Season ... Full TV Season
2025 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st (through 1/4/26)
2024 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2023 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2022 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2021 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2020 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2019 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2018 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2017 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2016 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2015 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2014 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2013 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2012 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2011 ... No. 1 Show ... 1st
2010 ... No. 1 Show ... 3rd
2009 ... No. 2 Show ... 4th
2008 ... No. 5 Show ... 8th
2007 ... No. 7 Show ... 8th
2006 ... No. 7 Show ... 9th
Source: Official Nielsen Big Data + Panel
Sunday Night Football Top 20 Metered Markets - 2025 Season:*
Buffalo ranked as the top-rated SNF market for the second time in three years (#1 in 2023, and #2 last year), while Kansas City finished second this year after ranking first in 2024. New Orleans topped the chart for five consecutive years (2018-2022) as well as in 2010, 2011 and 2013. Milwaukee was the top-rated SNF market in 2017 and 2012, while Denver ranked #1 for three consecutive seasons from 2014-16.
1. Buffalo 18.0/41
2. Kansas City 17.5/45
3. Pittsburgh 15.0/38
4. Milwaukee 14.7/37
5. Minneapolis 14.3/38
6. Baltimore 13.9/41
7. New Orleans 13.5/36
8. Richmond 13.2/36
9. Detroit 12.9/35
10. Philadelphia 12.7/38
11. Dayton 12.6/35
12. Denver 12.4/42
13. Dallas 12.2.39
14. Norfolk 12.0/38
15. Cincinnati 11.8/34
16. Albuquerque 11.7/34
17. Sacramento 11.6/38
T18. Providence 10.9/34
T18. Las Vegas 10.9/37
T18. St. Louis 10.9/29
*Through Week 17. Final metrics through Week 18 will be available later this week.
Wild Card Weekend
NBC Sports presents an AFC Wild Card Game this Sunday, Jan. 11, at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, Telemundo and Universo, as Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers visit Drake Maye and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. Coverage begins with a special edition of Football Night in America at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
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Original text here: https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/record-setting-season-sunday-night-football-nbc-and-peacock-averages-235-million-viewers-paces
Novo Nordisk Issues First National Report on America's Obesity Epidemic
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (TNSrpt) -- Novo Nordisk, Plainsboro, New Jersey, has released its State of Weight and Health Report, a study designed to provide perspectives on the obesity epidemic in the United States. Based on surveys of more than 1,700 adults and 700 healthcare professionals, the findings highlight a phenomenon the authors describe as the obesity trap--a complex intersection of biological, cultural, and systemic barriers that complicate weight management.
According to the report, the experience of living with obesity varies significantly across different demographics, with specific differences
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (TNSrpt) -- Novo Nordisk, Plainsboro, New Jersey, has released its State of Weight and Health Report, a study designed to provide perspectives on the obesity epidemic in the United States. Based on surveys of more than 1,700 adults and 700 healthcare professionals, the findings highlight a phenomenon the authors describe as the obesity trap--a complex intersection of biological, cultural, and systemic barriers that complicate weight management.
According to the report, the experience of living with obesity varies significantly across different demographics, with specific differencesnoted based on ethnicity, income level, and generation. The data indicates that individuals often feel caught between internal motivation and external stigma, such as fears of weight-related judgment in social settings. Researchers from Ipsos, who conducted the study, found that these societal stressors often interact with individual biology to make sustained weight loss difficult for many Americans.
Novo Nordisk leadership stated that the initiative aims to deepen the public's understanding of the multifaceted challenges associated with obesity. The company emphasized that by identifying systemic barriers and the impact of time scarcity on lifestyle changes, organizations can develop more empathetic and inclusive strategies for care.
To coincide with the report's debut, an immersive exhibit is being held at New York's Grand Central Terminal to visualize the report's central themes. This resource is intended to serve as a free tool for policymakers, employers, and healthcare providers. Moving forward, the company plans to release the report annually to spotlight different facets of the disease.
-- Lin Andre Vitin, Targeted News Service
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REPORT: https://www.stateofweightandhealth.com/content/dam/stateofweightandhealth/site/pdf/state-of-weight-and-health-report.pdf
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Source and date of original text: Jan. 6, 2026, https://www.novonordisk-us.com/media/news-archive/news-details.html?id=916477
[Category: BizHealth Care]
Littler Issues Commentary: Determining Work Authorization for Employees on TPS and Humanitarian Parole - Updated January 7, 2026
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 8 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 7, 2026:
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Determining Work Authorization for Employees on TPS and Humanitarian Parole - Updated January 7, 2026
By Jorge Lopez and Tasneem Zaman
The Trump administration has enacted significant policy changes impacting individuals authorized to work under various immigration programs, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, and the CHNV programs. We created a chart intended to assist employers in determining the work authorization status of employees who have presented
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 8 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 7, 2026:
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Determining Work Authorization for Employees on TPS and Humanitarian Parole - Updated January 7, 2026
By Jorge Lopez and Tasneem Zaman
The Trump administration has enacted significant policy changes impacting individuals authorized to work under various immigration programs, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, and the CHNV programs. We created a chart intended to assist employers in determining the work authorization status of employees who have presentedan Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under one of these programs.
This chart has been updated to note developments concerning Afghanistan, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, Lebanon, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Syria, and Ukraine.
It should be noted that the status of the various TPS and Parole programs are fluid pending several federal lawsuits across the United States challenging the government's decision to terminate these programs. As a result, the information provided here is subject to change based on the outcomes of these legal proceedings.
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Authors
Jorge R. Lopez
Shareholder
Miami
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Tasneem Zaman
Senior Counsel
Washington, D.C.
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/determining-work-authorization-employees-tps-and-humanitarian-parole-updated-3
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Cadence Celebrates 20 Years in Pune, Reinforces Long-Term R&D Commitment
SAN JOSE, California, Jan. 8 [Category: BizComputer Technology] -- Cadence Design Systems, a provider of electronic design automation and semiconductor intellectual property, issued the following news release:
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Cadence Celebrates 20 Years in Pune, Reinforces Long-Term R&D Commitment
Cadence, a global leader in electronic system design, is celebrating 20 years in Pune as a core research and development hub. This milestone marks two decades of sustained investment and innovation in the region. Established in 2006 by Tensilica, now part of Cadence, this anniversary marks the company's early
... Show Full Article
SAN JOSE, California, Jan. 8 [Category: BizComputer Technology] -- Cadence Design Systems, a provider of electronic design automation and semiconductor intellectual property, issued the following news release:
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Cadence Celebrates 20 Years in Pune, Reinforces Long-Term R&D Commitment
Cadence, a global leader in electronic system design, is celebrating 20 years in Pune as a core research and development hub. This milestone marks two decades of sustained investment and innovation in the region. Established in 2006 by Tensilica, now part of Cadence, this anniversary marks the company's earlybelief in Pune's technology and engineering ecosystem during a period when few multinational technology companies operated there.
Starting with a five-member team, Cadence now employs over 300 employees in Pune and continues to scale its talent base. The Pune center is a key part of the Silicon Solutions Group. Teams here develop highly complex digital signal processing (DSP) IP, AI accelerators, DDR, and mixed-signal IP for leading semiconductor and electronics companies worldwide. These technologies enable critical applications across consumer electronics, data centers, and automotive markets.
"As we celebrate 20 years in Pune, we take pride in the world-class IP teams here, who collaborate with our global teams to deliver products used by customers worldwide," said Boyd Phelps, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Silicon Solutions Group at Cadence. "The continued growth of our Pune site emphasizes Cadence's confidence in the region's talent and our ongoing commitment to investing in people, capabilities, and infrastructure across India."
As it enters its third decade in Pune, the company remains dedicated to advancing cutting-edge silicon IP and nurturing local talent. Cadence actively partners with MeitY, AICTE, IITs, and over 400 universities to build a strong chip-design talent pipeline. It also supports startups through initiatives like Chips to Startup (C2S). Through advanced EDA tools and India-led innovations in AI-driven and chiplet-based design, Cadence is helping advance India's semiconductor mission while accelerating global innovation.
Learn more about Life at Cadence (https://www.cadence.com/en_US/home/company/life-at-cadence.html).
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Original text here: https://community.cadence.com/cadence_blogs_8/b/corporate-news/posts/cadence-celebrates-20-years-in-pune-reinforces-long-term-r-d-commitment
Boston Consulting Group: Resilient Global Trade Could Grow 2.5% Annually Through 2034 Despite Rising Geopolitical Fragmentation
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Jan. 8 (TNSrpt) -- Boston Consulting Group, a management consulting firm, presented the following news release:
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Resilient Global Trade Could Grow 2.5% Annually Through 2034 Despite Rising Geopolitical Fragmentation
* New Analysis by Boston Consulting Group Reveals Four Scenarios for the Future of Global Trade
* Momentum Behind Scenario in Which Overall Global Trade Grows Just Above Global GDP Through the Next Decade Amid Big Policy Shifts
* Industrial Policy Measures Motivated by National and Economic Security Have Increased More Than Sixfold Since 2022
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Global
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Jan. 8 (TNSrpt) -- Boston Consulting Group, a management consulting firm, presented the following news release:
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Resilient Global Trade Could Grow 2.5% Annually Through 2034 Despite Rising Geopolitical Fragmentation
* New Analysis by Boston Consulting Group Reveals Four Scenarios for the Future of Global Trade
* Momentum Behind Scenario in Which Overall Global Trade Grows Just Above Global GDP Through the Next Decade Amid Big Policy Shifts
* Industrial Policy Measures Motivated by National and Economic Security Have Increased More Than Sixfold Since 2022
*
Globaltrade could prove to be more resilient than many expected in the face of economic nationalism and increasing tariffs, under a new scenario analysis from Boston Consulting Group. One scenario gaining momentum shows world goods trade growing 2.5% annually through the next decade, slightly faster than global GDP, expanding from around $23 trillion annually in 2024 to nearly $30 trillion in 2034. The trade lanes those goods travel, however, would be dramatically reshaped.
These are among the findings in the latest report from BCG's Center for Geopolitics , Trade in Transition: How to Prepare for a Patchwork World Order, published today.
Given the immense difficulty in predicting the contours of the dynamic global trade landscape a decade from now, BCG has identified four possible scenarios. The greatest momentum is behind a more moderate scenario, a "multi-nodal trade patchwork," in which trade flows gravitate around four main nodes employing distinct approaches. These nodes are the US, China, and two informal groupings of economies BCG calls the "Plurilateralists" and "BRICS+ excluding China."1
"The future of global trade won't be defined by a single set of rules, but by a patchwork of relationships and regional priorities," said Aparna Bharadwaj , managing director and senior partner, Global Leader of BCG's Global Advantage Practice, and a co-author of the report. "For businesses, this isn't just a policy shift. It's a strategic inflection point. Our modeling shows that even amid rising fragmentation, trade remains on a clear growth trajectory, and the advantage will go to those who move early to adapt and lead in this evolving landscape."
Under this multi-nodal trade patchwork scenario:
The US share of global goods trade is projected to decline as it maintains its America First focus, which favors domestic production over imports.
* This projected decline is due to higher tariffs and other barriers. The share of US imports covered by tariffs has grown from 13% to 61% since January 2025.
* Notably, though, slower growth in trade does not necessarily mean slower GDP growth if there is a boost in consumption and domestic production.
* Two-way trade growth with the non-China BRICS+ nations is projected to grow by only 1.5% annually, as would US trade with the Plurilateralists.
* US-China trade would decline by 4.5%, continuing a downward trend observed over the last several years.
China's trade growth is projected to grow as it remains the largest trade partner with the Global South.2
* China's trade growth with the Global South would be driven by its growing need for energy, foods, and industrial inputs, as well as new markets for its finished goods.
* BCG predicts a particularly strong 5.5% CAGR for China over the next decade with other BRICS+ nations and 3% CAGR with the rest of the world.
The Plurilateralists will see above-average trade growth among themselves and most of the Global South through 2034.
* This diverse set of both advanced and emerging economies remain committed to rules-based trade. While they do not constitute a formal bloc, each belongs to one or more plurilateral trade agreements (those among at least three nations).
* This group includes all EU members, the four European countries belonging to the European Free Trade Association, the original 11 CPTPP3 members (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam) and the UK, South Korea, plus smaller free-trading economies such as Costa Rica and Morocco.
* The Plurilateralists could deepen relationships among themselves, with 3% CAGR through the coming decade, as they lower trade barriers and seek to diversify away from the US and China.
* Trade with BRICS+ economies will see 2.5% CAGR for the coming decade and 3% CAGR with the rest of the world.
The BRICS+ nations excluding China will expand their trade relationships with the Global South as well as China.
* This grouping includes original BRICS members Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa and nations that joined later, such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
* BRICS+ countries have been taking steps to collaborate with each other on trade, which they see as a driver of growth. But their approach to trade differs, with some negotiating deals with other groupings and some not.
* BRICS+ nations excluding China could see 3% CAGR with the rest of the world and average trade growth among themselves.
Nations outside these four nodes are grouped into the "Rest of the World" category.
* Most are Global South economies in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America that seek strategic neutrality.
* These free agents, however, will become increasingly important in the future, both as markets and suppliers of goods and services.
Developments over the next few years, such as the conclusion of negotiations on reviewing the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement in 2026, could significantly alter the trade patchwork scenario. There could also be greater reverberations, as other nations come to terms with the change of course by the US or erect barriers to address imbalances with China.
"Global trade isn't retreating, it's reorganizing," said Marc Gilbert , managing director & senior partner, Global Leader of the Center for Geopolitics, and a co-author of the report. "Leaders who embed geopolitics in capital and strategic decision-making will be best positioned to navigate the next decade of change to secure resilience as well as growth."
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[1] BCG groups China apart from the rest of the BRICS+ nations because of its dominant global position.
[2] Global South refers to 133 member countries of the United Nations' Group of 77, excluding China.
[3] CPTPP refers to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
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About BCG's Center for Geopolitics
BCG's Center for Geopolitics brings clarity to the shifting complexities of global power dynamics, unlocking opportunities for growth and collaboration worldwide. By integrating deep geopolitical expertise with BCG's renowned analytical capabilities, we deliver business-focused and actionable insights that foster open dialogue and equip the world's top organizations and their leaders with tools to navigate uncertainty with resilience and confidence. Partnering with industry and functional experts across BCG, we cut through the noise with data-driven analysis, offering business leaders strategic and timely responses to emerging challenges, today's realities, and tomorrow's scenarios. For more information, please visit the Center for Geopolitics.
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About Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders--empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.
Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.
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REPORT: https://web-assets.bcg.com/fc/7b/fa1836dc43debec52291f5fae58d/2026-global-trade-report-jan-2026-web.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.bcg.com/press/8january2026-resilient-global-trade-despite-rising-geopolitical-fragmentation
[Category: BizConsulting]
Boston Consulting Group: Biopharma's Innovation Engine Powers Ahead, But Its Business Model Faces Mounting Strain
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Jan. 8 (TNSrep) -- Boston Consulting Group, a management consulting firm, presented the following news release:
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Biopharma's Innovation Engine Powers Ahead, but Its Business Model Faces Mounting Strain
New Report from BCG Explores Challenges and Strategic Shifts Ahead for 2026 That Could Further Erode Pharma's Longstanding Social Contract
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Biopharma enters 2026 amid continuing scientific progress and accelerating deal activity, yet its business model is under pressure across every facet of the value chain. Investors are taking note: average total shareholder return
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Jan. 8 (TNSrep) -- Boston Consulting Group, a management consulting firm, presented the following news release:
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Biopharma's Innovation Engine Powers Ahead, but Its Business Model Faces Mounting Strain
New Report from BCG Explores Challenges and Strategic Shifts Ahead for 2026 That Could Further Erode Pharma's Longstanding Social Contract
*
Biopharma enters 2026 amid continuing scientific progress and accelerating deal activity, yet its business model is under pressure across every facet of the value chain. Investors are taking note: average total shareholder return(TSR) across the sector flatlined at 0% from 2021 to 2025--compared with 16% for the S&P 500--and only six of the top 20 firms outperformed the S&P 500 during the period.
Many of the traditional advantages of commercial scale and R&D heft are being worn away. The combination of challenges is forcing companies to rethink business models and margin protection, including shifting priorities in R&D and business development in ways that could add fuel to the public's declining approval of the industry and further erode pharma's longstanding social contract (with the industry innovating and delivering new therapies in exchange for investment and commercial success).
These are among the findings of a new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) released today. Titled Biopharma Trends 2026: Pressures Mount--Now and into the Future (https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/reimagining-business-models-biopharma-trends), the report explores the structural shifts at work, from market access and geopolitical fragmentation to AI adoption, manufacturing reinvention, and evolving R&D and M&A strategies.
"Scientific momentum is not the issue," said Priya Chandran, BCG managing director and senior partner, and coauthor of the report. "The challenge is ensuring that commercial models, access pathways, and global strategies keep pace with the breakthroughs coming out of labs."
New pressures are converging across the value chain, including new US tariffs on branded products and continuing impacts from the Inflation Reduction Act. The most significant pricing pressures are coming from most-favored-nation (MFN) pricing proposals and deals in the US which affect both the US and non-US markets, and create the potential for big changes in global access to drugs. These pressures add to a steep patent cliff that is putting an estimated $275 billion in revenue at risk at the top 15 companies due to loss of exclusivity.
Trade policies are also reshaping sourcing and manufacturing. The promise of US tariffs of 100% on branded pharmaceutical imports unless companies meet "shovel in the ground" exemptions has catalyzed a dozen of the sector's largest players to announce plans for over $350 billion in new US facility investments by 2030.
At the same time, China and India have become central to the biotech ecosystem.
* China has become an established innovation hub, especially in certain modalities such as new antibody-drug conjugates, and contributes about 30% of the global biotech pipeline.
* Licensing deals involving China represented nearly half of global activity in 2025. Valuations of Chinese assets soared 150% in the last year, outpacing those of both EU and US companies.
* India continues to be an active destination for offshoring capabilities, both on its own merits and as a means of offsetting geopolitical risk from China.
* India is emerging as a hub for AI, data, and manufacturing capabilities, as well as a source of diversified innovation, with companies investing across all stages of the value chain.
A disproportionate share of biopharma sales (almost 90% in 2025 for the top 20 firms) comes from blockbusters or mega blockbuster drugs, a trend BCG expects will hold steady through 2030. But the types of products that the industry is banking on to drive this growth are changing. From 2010 to 2020, many biopharma companies targeted development of biologics and novel modalities such as CAR-T, siRNA, and gene therapy, that targeted diseases affecting smaller populations. Since 2020, there has been a re-emergence of therapeutics targeting diseases affecting large populations with high unmet need, such as GLP-1s for obesity and monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer's. This can lead to a kind of herd mentality in pipeline decision making. For example, there are more than 100 obesity compounds in the industry pipeline, and more than 35 have a GLP-1 component.
M&A in the sector is on the rebound, with a sharp shift in focus. Average deal value rose in 2025 even as volume declined, with growth driven by marketed assets and major players accessing a more globally diverse biotech ecosystem. Companies are looking for derisked proof-of-concept or post-POC assets. Preclinical companies have collapsed in value from an average of about $500 million in 2021 to less than $50 million today, a reversal of the 2010-2020 trend that favored early-stage innovation.
In licensing, the value of agreements is on the rise while the overall number is declining, and there is significant year-over-year growth in the share of Phase I and II deals.
Rising prices and go-to-market complexity have made commercialization and patient access more challenging than ever before. The most significant pricing measures are coming from MFN pricing proposals and deals with the US, which affect both the US and non-US markets and create the potential for big changes in global access to drugs.
Selling products is also increasingly complicated. Health systems are instituting more complex procurement and approval processes and it has become more difficult for pharma sales teams to access individual physicians. In parallel, advanced therapeutics are shifting to more accessible sites of care, and more complex assets are administered in community, outpatient, and home settings.
Companies are responding to these changes in multiple ways, including turning to faster product launches, AI-driven sales strategies, and consumer-style patient engagement through direct-to-patient and direct-to-employer models.
Margin pressures and the promise of AI are compelling pharma companies to rethink their talent and resourcing models. Cost discipline has become a core capability. In the past year, seven of the top 20 firms announced major cost optimization programs, targeting cost reductions of 5% to 16% in the cost base and 2% to 8% in the workforce.
Companies are hopeful that AI can help improve organizational efficiency and preserve margins. Sales teams are already being revamped with new ways of working and AI tools. Longer term, there is potential for AI to augment talent and transform virtually every part of the value chain, including drug discovery, trial design, manufacturing, patient support solutions, and health care professional engagement. For instance, companies are imagining factories of the future that will use AI to improve everything from procurement to demand planning and process engineering.
"Entering 2026, biopharma faces a wide range of business, scientific, technological, policy, and geopolitical pressures," said John Wu, BCG managing director and partner, leader of biopharma in North America, and coauthor of the report. "Despite these uncertainties, there remains significant opportunity to develop and commercialize innovative treatments that transform patient lives, leveraging advances in underlying biological understanding and modality innovation and AI for greater efficiency. To fully realize the potential of these advances and maintain or establish industry leadership, companies must reimagine their business models across the value chain."
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About Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders--empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.
Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.
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Original text here: https://www.bcg.com/press/8january2026-biopharmas-innovation-engine-powers-ahead-business-model-faces-strain
[Category: BizConsulting]
Alaska Airlines Announces Largest Fleet Order in Airline's History
SEATTLE, Jan. 8 -- Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, issued the following news release on Jan. 7, 2026:
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Alaska Airlines announces largest fleet order in airline's history
Summary
* Alaska orders 105 737-10 aircraft and 5 787 widebody aircraft - extending the delivery stream through 2035.
* The order includes an option for 35 additional 737-10 aircraft within the same timeframe.
* The airline will also welcome its first 787 widebody aircraft in the new Alaska global livery into its fleet, which will be seen operating across Europe and Asia.
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Alaska Airlines announced
... Show Full Article
SEATTLE, Jan. 8 -- Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, issued the following news release on Jan. 7, 2026:
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Alaska Airlines announces largest fleet order in airline's history
Summary
* Alaska orders 105 737-10 aircraft and 5 787 widebody aircraft - extending the delivery stream through 2035.
* The order includes an option for 35 additional 737-10 aircraft within the same timeframe.
* The airline will also welcome its first 787 widebody aircraft in the new Alaska global livery into its fleet, which will be seen operating across Europe and Asia.
*
Alaska Airlines announcedtoday it is ordering 105 new 737-10 aircraft and five new 787 aircraft - exercising all previous 787 options held with Boeing. The airline also secured rights for an additional 35 737-10 aircraft. This order - representing the largest order in the airline's history - secures critical delivery slots and extends the aircraft delivery stream through 2035.
"This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable and sustained growth, and is another building block in executing our Alaska Accelerate strategic plan. These planes will fuel our expansion to more destinations across the globe and ensure our guests travel aboard the newest, most fuel-efficient and state-of-the-art aircraft. We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Boeing, a Pacific Northwest neighbor and a company that stands as a symbol of American innovation and manufacturing."
- Ben Minicucci, CEO, Alaska Air Group
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* This order brings Alaska's total orderbook with Boeing to 245 aircraft, in addition to the 94 MAX aircraft we're operating today.
* A mix of growth aircraft and replacement for aging 737s, this order will keep Alaska's fleet one of the youngest in the industry and the most fuel efficient for any premium, global airline.
* Alaska already operates a narrowbody fleet that includes 737-9 and 737-8 aircraft. This order is for 737-10 aircraft, but the airline retains the flexibility to adjust to a different model if necessary.
* The five additional 787 widebody aircraft support the Alaska Accelerate strategic plan and will enable the airline to fly to at least 12 long-haul international destinations from Seattle by 2030. The order brings our firm future 787 widebody fleet to 17, with five already in operation across the network. The intention is for these five 787s to be delivered as the -10 variant.
* With a current fleet of 413 aircraft, Alaska Air Group's carriers will operate a fleet of more than 475 aircraft by 2030 and more than 550 aircraft by 2035.
This morning in Seattle, leaders from Alaska Airlines, Boeing and the U.S. Department of Transportation will join with employees, customers and guests to celebrate this fleet order and welcome the first 787-9 painted in Alaska's global livery. The new 787-9 exterior design draws inspiration from the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis, featuring a palette of deep midnight blues and lush emerald greens that channel the aurora's energy and spirit of the Alaska brand. Utilizing a new aircraft painting technique, it took artists nearly 1000 hours across 13 days to paint the aircraft exterior from nose to tail.
"As we transform into the country's fourth largest global airline, we are proud to introduce a new, global livery for the Alaska brand. The design is a tribute to Alaska's rich history and a reflection of our bold vision for international growth and our commitment to connect the Pacific Northwest to the world."
- Ben Minicucci, CEO, Alaska Air Group
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As the company's brand strategy expands to meet its growing global footprint, essential elements of our two airline brands' legacies and history remain unchanged. The core Alaska Airlines brand expression will remain with the Alaska Native on the tail of narrowbody aircraft flying throughout the North American continent. The Hawaiian Airlines brand will continue to be expressed in service to, from and within the Hawaiian Islands with Pualani on the tail of Airbus A321, A330 and Boeing 717 aircraft.
Flights to Europe and Asia from our expanding global gateway in Seattle are available for booking now at alaskaair.com:
* London Heathrow, United Kingdom: Daily, year-round flights beginning May 21, 2026
* Rome, Italy: Daily, summer seasonal flights beginning April 28, 2026
* Reykjavik, Iceland: Daily, summer seasonal flights beginning May 28, 2026 (operated on a 737-8 MAX)
* Tokyo Narita, Japan: Daily, year-round flights already in service
* Seoul Incheon, South Korea: five-times-weekly, year-round flights already in service
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Original text here: https://news.alaskaair.com/company/alaska-airlines-announces-largest-fleet-order-in-airlines-history/
[Category: BizAerospace]
