Who Owns Amgen Company?

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Who Owns Amgen?

Amgen's ownership structure has evolved significantly since its founding in 1980. Initially a venture-backed startup, its 1983 IPO marked a pivotal shift, opening the door to public investment and substantial growth. Today, it's a major biopharmaceutical player.

Who Owns Amgen Company?

As a publicly traded entity, Amgen's ownership is primarily held by its shareholders. Institutional investors, such as mutual funds and pension funds, typically own a substantial portion of the company's stock, alongside individual investors.

The company's robust performance, with reported total revenues of $33.4 billion in 2024, a 19% increase, underscores its market strength. This growth was fueled by a 23% rise in medicine volume, reaching millions globally. Amgen's commitment to innovation is evident in its record $6.0 billion investment in research and development for 2024, supporting its diverse portfolio across General Medicine, Rare Disease, Inflammation, and Oncology. Understanding who owns Amgen provides insight into its strategic decisions and future direction, particularly as it continues to advance treatments, including those for conditions that might be explored in an Amgen PESTEL Analysis.

Who Founded Amgen?

Amgen, initially known as Applied Molecular Genetics Inc., was founded in April 1980 in Thousand Oaks, California. The company's inception was a collaborative effort between scientific pioneers and venture capital investors. George B. Rathmann, a former vice-president at Abbott Laboratories, became Amgen's first president and CEO in October 1980, guiding its early scientific direction.

Founding Year 1980
Initial Name Applied Molecular Genetics Inc.
Founding Location Thousand Oaks, California
First President & CEO George B. Rathmann
Initial Focus Recombinant DNA technology, recombinant human insulin
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Founding Vision

Amgen was established with a strong emphasis on recombinant DNA technology. The company aimed to leverage scientific advancements to develop novel therapeutics.

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Venture Capital Backing

The early stages of Amgen were significantly supported by venture capital. The company secured approximately $19 million in initial funding, a substantial amount for a biotechnology startup at that time.

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Key Early Investor

William Bowes was among the prominent early investors who provided crucial financial backing. This investment was instrumental in establishing the company's operational foundation.

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Scientific Advisory Board

Amgen's scientific credibility was bolstered by its initial scientific advisory board. This board included distinguished scientists such as Norman Davidson and Leroy Hood.

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Early Ownership Structure

While specific founder equity details are not publicly disclosed, Amgen's initial ownership was distributed among a small group of venture capitalists. This structure reflected the blend of scientific innovation and financial investment.

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Leadership Role

George B. Rathmann's leadership was critical in shaping Amgen's early scientific objectives. His expertise guided the company's initial research and development efforts.

The foundational ownership of Amgen was characterized by a partnership between scientific visionaries and venture capital firms, establishing a robust framework for its growth in the burgeoning biotechnology sector. This early distribution of control, driven by both scientific expertise and financial backing, set the stage for the company's future trajectory and its eventual position as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, aligning with its Mission, Vision & Core Values of Amgen.

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Founding Team and Backing

Amgen's establishment in 1980 was a significant event in the biotechnology landscape. The company was founded by individuals with strong scientific backgrounds and supported by venture capital, which provided the necessary capital for its ambitious research goals.

  • Founders: A blend of scientific and venture capital expertise.
  • First President & CEO: George B. Rathmann.
  • Initial Funding: Approximately $19 million from venture capital.
  • Key Early Investor: William Bowes.
  • Scientific Advisory Board: Included notable scientists like Norman Davidson and Leroy Hood.

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How Has Amgen’s Ownership Changed Over Time?

Amgen's journey as a public entity began with its initial public offering on June 17, 1983. This pivotal event, which raised nearly $40 million by selling two million common shares, provided the essential capital for its ambitious research and development initiatives and subsequent expansion. This marked a significant shift from its early venture capital roots to a widely held public company.

Shareholder Type Percentage Held (August 2025) Percentage Held (July 2025) Percentage Held (October 2024)
Institutional Investors 76.50% 81.00% 78.00%
Insider Holdings 0.15% 0.15% N/A
Mutual Funds 67.73% 65.95% N/A

The ownership landscape of Amgen is predominantly shaped by institutional investors, who collectively commanded approximately 76.50% of the company's stock as of August 2025. This significant stake, a slight decrease from 81% in July 2025 and 78% in October 2024, underscores their substantial influence on Amgen's market performance and strategic direction. Key institutional players include The Vanguard Group, Inc., holding around 9.7% of shares, followed by BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. Other notable institutional holders contributing to Amgen's corporate structure are Capital International Investors, VTSMX - Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares, Capital World Investors, Morgan Stanley, VFINX - Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares, Geode Capital Management, Llc, and Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. While twenty investors collectively own a majority of the shares, the top 25 shareholders collectively own less than 50% of the total share register, indicating that no single entity possesses a majority interest. Insider holdings have remained stable at 0.15% as of June 2025, while institutional investors saw a slight increase in their holdings from 80.67% to 81.22% during the same period. Mutual funds also demonstrated an upward trend in their holdings, rising from 65.95% to 67.73% in June 2025. This strong institutional backing suggests a high degree of confidence from professional investors in Amgen's market position and future prospects.

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Understanding Amgen's Shareholder Base

Institutional investors are the primary owners of Amgen, reflecting their significant role in the biotechnology sector. Their substantial holdings influence Amgen's stock price and corporate governance.

  • Institutional investors hold 76.50% of Amgen stock as of August 2025.
  • The Vanguard Group is a major shareholder with approximately 9.7% of shares.
  • No single entity holds a majority stake in Amgen.
  • Insider holdings remain minimal at 0.15%.
  • Amgen is a publicly traded company, making its ownership widely distributed.

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Who Sits on Amgen’s Board?

Amgen's Board of Directors, comprising 12 members as of the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is tasked with overseeing the company's strategic direction and management. The board includes key executives and independent directors, ensuring diverse perspectives. Robert A. Bradway holds the dual role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Director Nominee Role
Wanda M. Austin Director
Robert A. Bradway Chairman and CEO
Michael V. Drake Director
Brian J. Druker Director
Robert A. Eckert Director
Greg C. Garland Director
Charles M. Holley, Jr. Director
S. Omar Ishrak Director
Tyler Jacks Director
Mary E. Klotman Director
Ellen J. Kullman Director
Amy E. Miles Director

The election of directors at Amgen requires a majority of the votes cast, with abstentions and broker non-votes not impacting the outcome. Shareholders demonstrated strong support for the company's executive compensation, with over 94% of votes cast in favor of the 'Say on Pay' proposal. While specific activist campaigns are not publicly detailed, the substantial institutional ownership suggests that large shareholders collectively possess significant influence over board decisions, impacting Amgen ownership dynamics.

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Understanding Shareholder Influence

Institutional investors play a crucial role in shaping corporate governance at Amgen. Their voting power can significantly influence board elections and executive compensation policies.

  • Majority of votes cast needed for director election.
  • Abstentions and broker non-votes do not affect director elections.
  • Over 94% approval for executive compensation indicates shareholder confidence.
  • Institutional investors can collectively influence board decisions.
  • Understanding Amgen's corporate structure is key to grasping Amgen ownership.

The voting power of Amgen shareholders is a critical aspect of its corporate governance. The election of directors, for instance, is determined by a majority of the votes cast, meaning that abstentions and broker non-votes do not sway the outcome. This structure empowers active voters among the Amgen stock holders. Furthermore, the overwhelming approval of the executive compensation package, with more than 94% of votes in favor, signals a general alignment between the company's leadership and its shareholder base. While Amgen is a publicly traded company, and its ownership is distributed, the concentration of shares among institutional investors means these entities can exert considerable influence. For those seeking to understand Who owns Amgen, examining the holdings of major institutional investors is paramount. This is a key element in understanding Amgen company owners and the broader Amgen ownership landscape. For a deeper dive into the company's journey, one can explore the Brief History of Amgen.

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What Recent Changes Have Shaped Amgen’s Ownership Landscape?

Over the past three to five years, Amgen has shown a dynamic ownership profile and strategic activity, marked by significant acquisitions and shifts in executive leadership. The company's financial performance and shareholder value initiatives continue to shape its ownership trends.

Key Financial & Ownership Data 2024/2025 Significance
Total Revenues $33.4 billion (2024) Represents a 19% increase, driven by strategic acquisitions.
Acquisition Integration Horizon Therapeutics plc (late 2023) Expanded presence in rare diseases.
Executive Leadership Change Howard Chang, M.D., Ph.D. (Dec 16, 2024) New Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Scientific Officer, focusing on innovation.
Insider Trading Activity SVP Rachna Khosla sold 1,500 shares (June 2025) Represents a 15.52% decrease in her position.
Insider Trading Activity SVP Nancy A. Grygiel sold 1,267 shares (August 2025) Reported sale of common shares.
Shareholder Returns $2.38 per share dividend (Q3 2025) Demonstrates commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Amgen Ventures Investment Over $400 million committed Supports early-stage healthcare innovation since 2004.
Institutional Ownership 81% stake Indicates significant investment from institutional investors in this biotechnology company.

Amgen's strategic moves, including the substantial acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics plc in late 2023, have significantly impacted its financial standing and market position. This acquisition, which expanded the company's footprint in rare diseases, contributed to a strong financial performance in 2024, with total revenues reaching a record $33.4 billion, a 19% increase. The company's commitment to innovation is further evidenced by leadership changes, such as the appointment of Howard Chang, M.D., Ph.D., as Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Scientific Officer in December 2024, underscoring a focus on key research areas. Shareholder value remains a priority, with a third-quarter 2025 dividend of $2.38 per share declared. Amgen's venture capital arm, Amgen Ventures, continues to be active, having committed over $400 million to foster innovation in critical therapeutic areas. The ownership landscape reflects a strong institutional presence, with an 81% institutional stake, a common trend in the pharmaceutical industry. While analyst forecasts for 2025 are cautiously optimistic, the company navigates market pressures and pricing challenges.

Icon Executive Leadership and Scientific Focus

The appointment of Howard Chang, M.D., Ph.D., as Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Scientific Officer highlights Amgen's dedication to advancing scientific discovery. This strategic move reinforces the company's commitment to innovation in areas such as rare diseases and oncology.

Icon Shareholder Value and Investment Activity

Amgen continues to prioritize returning value to its shareholders through consistent dividend payouts, with a $2.38 per share dividend declared for the third quarter of 2025. The company's venture arm actively supports early-stage innovation, demonstrating a long-term investment strategy.

Icon Institutional Ownership Trends

Amgen exhibits a significant institutional ownership stake of 81%, reflecting the substantial interest from institutional investors in the biotechnology sector. This high percentage of institutional investors is a key indicator of the company's market standing and investor confidence.

Icon Strategic Growth and Market Outlook

The successful integration of Horizon Therapeutics plc has bolstered Amgen's financial performance and strategic positioning in rare diseases. While the market outlook for 2025 shows moderate optimism, the company is mindful of potential market pressures and pricing challenges.

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