AMPH
HealthcareAmphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic · $810M
What is Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.?
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals is a specialty bio-pharmaceutical company focused on generic and proprietary injectable, inhalation, and intranasal drug products. It serves patients and healthcare providers across the United States, China, and France.
Amphastar operates through two segments: Finished Pharmaceutical Products and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). The company develops, manufactures, and markets a range of specialty drugs — including over-the-counter inhalation products, emergency injectable medicines, and diagnostic agents. Revenue is generated through direct sales of branded and generic formulations to hospitals, pharmacies, and healthcare systems, as well as through API supply to other pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
- Primatene Mist — OTC epinephrine inhaler for mild intermittent asthma
- Enoxaparin injection for deep vein thrombosis prevention and treatment
- Naloxone injection for emergency opioid overdose reversal
- Glucagon emergency kit for severe hypoglycemia
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) supply segment
Is AMPH a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates AMPH as Good overall, reflecting a balanced but mixed picture across its five evaluation pillars.
The Valuation pillar stands out as Attractive, suggesting the market may not be fully pricing in the company's asset base relative to peers. The Quality and Risk pillars both register at Good and Neutral respectively, indicating reasonably stable underlying financials and a manageable risk profile for a small-cap specialty pharma name.
The Moat and Growth pillars both score Weak, pointing to limited competitive differentiation and subdued near-term expansion signals — factors worth weighing carefully.
See the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics by signing up for a UQS Pro account. Sign up free →
Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does AMPH pay dividends?
No — Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. does not currently pay a dividend.
Amphastar does not currently pay a dividend. For a specialty pharmaceutical company at this stage, retaining capital to fund manufacturing capacity, regulatory filings, and product pipeline development is a common strategic choice. Investors seeking income may want to look elsewhere, while those focused on reinvestment potential may find this approach consistent with growth-oriented capital allocation.
When does AMPH report earnings?
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, consistent with standard US-listed equity practice.
Quarterly results have reflected the company's dual-segment structure, with Finished Pharmaceutical Products typically driving the majority of revenue. Trends in product mix and API demand have been key factors shaping period-to-period performance.
For the most recent quarter's results and guidance, visit Amphastar Pharmaceuticals' official investor relations page.
AMPH Price History
+12.1% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.?
Based on Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
AMPH Long-term Outlook
Given Weak signals in both the Growth and Moat pillars, the near-term fundamental outlook for AMPH appears measured. The company's Attractive Valuation label suggests potential upside if operational execution improves, but limited pricing power and competitive pressure in the generics space temper expectations. The Neutral Risk profile indicates no acute financial stress, though sustained growth will likely depend on new product approvals and API segment expansion.
Growth drivers
- Expansion of the proprietary OTC product portfolio, including Primatene Mist
- API segment growth through supply agreements with third-party manufacturers
- New product filings and regulatory approvals in injectable and intranasal categories
Key risks
- Intense generic drug pricing pressure eroding margins over time
- Regulatory and manufacturing compliance risks inherent to injectable drug production
- Limited moat makes revenue concentration in key products a vulnerability
AMPH vs Peers
Amphastar operates in a competitive specialty and generic pharmaceutical landscape alongside several focused peers.
Pacira focuses on non-opioid post-surgical pain management, giving it a more differentiated branded product profile compared to Amphastar's generics-heavy mix.
Cronos operates in the cannabis sector, making it a distinct business model from Amphastar's injectable and inhalation pharmaceutical focus.
Collegium specializes in responsible pain management with a branded portfolio, contrasting with Amphastar's broader generic and API-driven revenue base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Amphastar Pharmaceuticals do?
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals develops, manufactures, and sells generic and proprietary injectable, inhalation, and intranasal drug products. Its portfolio spans emergency medicines, diagnostic agents, and over-the-counter inhalation treatments. The company also operates an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient segment that supplies other drug manufacturers.
Does AMPH pay dividends?
Amphastar does not currently pay a dividend. The company retains capital to support manufacturing operations, regulatory activities, and product development. Investors prioritizing income may find other healthcare names more suitable.
When does AMPH report earnings?
Amphastar reports on a quarterly cadence, as is standard for US-listed companies. Our data source does not provide specific upcoming earnings dates. Check Amphastar's investor relations page for the current reporting schedule.
Is AMPH a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates AMPH as Good overall. The Valuation pillar is Attractive, and the Quality and Risk pillars are reasonable for a small-cap pharma. However, Weak Moat and Growth signals are meaningful considerations. The complete pillar breakdown is available to UQS Pro members.
Is AMPH overvalued?
The UQS Valuation pillar for AMPH is rated Attractive, suggesting the stock may be trading at a reasonable level relative to its fundamentals and sector peers. This does not constitute a price prediction — see the full valuation analysis in the Pro dashboard.
How does AMPH compare to its competitors?
Compared to peers like Pacira BioSciences and Collegium Pharmaceutical, Amphastar's generics and API-focused model offers broader product breadth but potentially less pricing power. Its Attractive Valuation label may distinguish it from more richly priced specialty pharma peers.
What is AMPH's market cap bracket?
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals is classified as a small-cap company. This places it in a segment of the market that can offer growth potential but also carries higher volatility and liquidity risk compared to large- or mega-cap peers.
Who founded Amphastar Pharmaceuticals?
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals was founded by Jack Zhang and Mary Luo. The company has grown from a specialty injectable drug manufacturer into a multi-segment bio-pharmaceutical business with operations in the US, China, and France.
Is AMPH a long-term quality investment?
From a long-term quality perspective, AMPH's Good overall UQS Score reflects stable fundamentals but also highlights Weak Moat and Growth signals that could limit durable competitive advantage over time. Long-term investors should weigh the Attractive Valuation against these structural concerns. The full pillar detail is available to Pro members.
What is the main competitive advantage of Amphastar Pharmaceuticals?
Amphastar's integrated manufacturing capabilities — spanning finished drug products and active pharmaceutical ingredients — provide some operational self-sufficiency. Its established OTC brand Primatene Mist also offers a degree of consumer recognition. However, the UQS Moat pillar rates this advantage as Weak relative to the broader sector.
What sector does AMPH belong to?
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals operates in the Healthcare sector, specifically within specialty and generic pharmaceuticals. It competes across injectable, inhalation, and intranasal drug categories, serving both hospital and retail pharmacy channels.
Is AMPH a growth stock or value stock?
Based on UQS pillar labels, AMPH leans toward value characteristics — the Valuation pillar is Attractive while the Growth pillar is Weak. This profile may appeal to investors looking for reasonably priced healthcare exposure rather than high-growth momentum.
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Pro Analysis
AMPH — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2026 | 50.9 | 54.8 | 36.0 | 37.8 | 43.3 | 94.5 | -0.2 |
| May 22, 2026 | 51.1 | 54.8 | 36.0 | 37.8 | 43.3 | 95.7 | -0.1 |
| May 20, 2026 | 51.2 | 54.8 | 36.0 | 37.8 | 43.3 | 96.0 | +0.1 |
| May 17, 2026 | 51.1 | 54.8 | 36.0 | 37.8 | 43.3 | 95.4 | -0.1 |
| May 16, 2026 | 51.2 | 54.8 | 36.0 | 37.8 | 43.3 | 96.0 | 0.0 |
| May 14, 2026 | 51.2 | 54.8 | 36.0 | 37.9 | 43.3 | 96.3 | -7.2 |
| May 10, 2026 | 58.4 | 54.8 | 36.0 | 38.6 | 86.8 | 100.0 | -0.8 |
| May 8, 2026 | 59.2 | 54.8 | 36.0 | 38.2 | 92.7 | 99.3 | +4.9 |
| May 6, 2026 | 54.3 | 61.5 | 36.0 | 38.2 | 50.1 | 98.6 | 0.0 |
| May 5, 2026 | 54.3 | 61.5 | 36.0 | 38.2 | 50.1 | 98.7 | -0.1 |
AMPH — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 54.8/100 (25%)Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has average quality metrics, with room for improvement in margins or capital efficiency.
How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 37.8/100 (20%)Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 43.3/100 (15%)Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has some risk factors including moderate leverage or solvency concerns.
Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 95.3/100 (15%)Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. appears attractively valued relative to its earnings, cash flows, and sector peers.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
How many years of FCF the market cap represents.
P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 36/100 (25%)Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. possesses some competitive advantages but faces meaningful competition. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for AMPH.
Score Composition
Financial Data
More Stock Analysis
How is the AMPH UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.