Investors are looking for growth beyond the technology sector, and that’s putting dividend stocks back in favor. The idea is simple: When a stock’s growth outlook is unclear, dividends can help boost its total return and mitigate downside risk to investors’ portfolios. For example, The Coca-Cola Company NYSE: KO stock has been up about 17% in the last 12 months. When you add in the company’s dividend yield, which currently is about 2.12%, the total return for KO stock is closer to 20%. That’s something that ...

Entering trading on Monday, the S&P 500 has declined around 6% since the start of the year. And that's after recovering recently -- it was down much more than that in early April when global tariffs were first announced. But make no mistake, the risk isn't gone, and while a full-blown crash has taken a pause lately, that doesn't mean more of a sell-off isn't coming.The good news, however, is that if you're a long-term investor, a crash in the markets can open up some great buying opportunities. Three stocks ...

Core Viewpoint - Investors are becoming skeptical about the safety of dividends when yields exceed 5%, with Pfizer's current yield at approximately 7.5% raising concerns about potential cuts [1][2]. Dividend Analysis - Pfizer's current quarterly dividend is $0.43, totaling $1.72 annually, while its diluted EPS for 2024 is $1.41, indicating that the EPS is below the annual dividend rate [3]. - The payout ratio, which compares dividends to EPS, is a critical metric for assessing dividend sustainability, but it can be misleading due to non-cash items affecting earnings [4]. Free Cash Flow - Pfizer's free cash flow for the previous year was $9.8 billion, with cash dividend payments at $9.5 billion, suggesting that the dividend payout is sustainable as free cash exceeds dividend payments [5][6]. - The company’s free cash flow metric is essential as it excludes non-cash items, providing a clearer picture of cash generation [5]. Investment Potential - Pfizer's stock is trading at a low valuation of 8 times its estimated future earnings, presenting a potential bargain for income investors [7]. - The CEO has referred to the dividend as a "sacred cow," indicating a strong commitment to maintaining the dividend policy despite potential risks from tariffs [8]. Long-term Outlook - Despite a decline in stock price this year, Pfizer may be a suitable long-term investment in the healthcare sector, allowing investors to hold without frequent monitoring [9].

Core Viewpoint - The obesity drug market is highly lucrative, with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk generating billions in sales, prompting other companies like Pfizer to explore acquisition opportunities in this space [1][2]. Group 1: Pfizer's Position and Strategy - Pfizer recently discontinued its experimental obesity drug danuglipron due to safety concerns, putting it at a disadvantage in the obesity market [2]. - The company has nearly $20.5 billion in cash and short-term investments, with a revenue of $63.6 billion and a profit exceeding $8 billion in 2024, despite a significant debt load of around $64 billion [7][8]. Group 2: Potential Acquisition Targets - Altimmune is a promising target for Pfizer, with its experimental GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist pemvidutide having completed successful phase 2 testing for obesity and plans for further studies in liver disorders and alcohol-related diseases [3][4]. - Viking Therapeutics is another potential acquisition candidate, expecting to begin phase 3 testing of its GLP-1/GIP receptor dual agonist VK2735 for obesity this year, alongside ongoing phase 2 studies for an oral formulation [5][6]. Group 3: Financial Feasibility of Acquisitions - Altimmune's market cap is below $400 million, making it a feasible acquisition for Pfizer without incurring additional debt [8]. - Viking Therapeutics has a market cap of nearly $3 billion, but Pfizer could still finance this acquisition comfortably with its cash reserves [9]. Group 4: Future Considerations - Pfizer may delay acquisition decisions until it assesses the clinical development of its other experimental obesity drug, PF-07976016, but must act quickly to avoid losing potential targets to competitors [10][11].

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE ) has sold off since my last update on the stock, but marginally outperformed the S&P 500 ( SPY ) ( SPX ) ( IVV ) ( VOO ) due to a tick up in the stock price in recent days:Providing alpha-generating investment ideas. I am an independent investor managing my family's portfolio, primarily via a Self Managed Super Fund. You can expect my articles to deliver a clearly structured, evidence-based thesis. But first and foremost, I encourage readers to judge me on my performance.I have a generali ...

Big pharmaceutical companies as well as smaller biotechs have been hoping to score a win in one of today's highest-growth treatment areas: and that's weight loss. Analysts forecast a compound annual growth rate in the double digits from today over the next several years, with the market reaching $100 billion to $130 billion in the early 2030s.Today, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk dominate with their well-known treatments: Lilly makes tirzepatide, commercialized as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and as Zepbound fo ...

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer's CEO indicates that tariffs and uncertainty from the Trump administration are hindering the company's ability to make significant investments in the US [1][2]. Group 1: Impact of Tariffs on Investments - CEO Albert Bourla stated that the absence of tariffs and a stable environment would enable Pfizer to make "tremendous investments" in both R&D and manufacturing in the US [2]. - Bourla emphasized that during uncertain times, companies, including Pfizer, are controlling costs and being "very frugal" with investments to remain prepared for any eventualities [2]. - Pfizer currently operates 13 manufacturing sites in the US, which are functioning at good capacity, but the company is prepared to transfer manufacturing from overseas sites if necessary [3]. Group 2: Financial Implications of Tariffs - Pfizer's finance chief, Dave Denton, projected that the existing tariffs would cost the company approximately $150 million by 2025 [4]. - Although pharmaceutical products were initially exempt from the 10% tariffs announced by Trump, there are plans to impose tariffs on pharmaceuticals to encourage companies to relocate manufacturing to the US [4][5]. Group 3: Industry Reactions and Competitor Actions - AstraZeneca's CEO mentioned that the company could consider shifting some manufacturing to the US if pharmaceutical tariffs are implemented [6]. - Merck has begun construction on a $1 billion commercial production facility in Delaware, highlighting its commitment to US manufacturing [7]. - Investor Mark Cuban warned that drug prices from his company could rise if tariffs on India are enforced [7].

Core Insights - Pfizer (PFE) shares increased by 3% following the release of Q1 earnings that significantly exceeded expectations, although the stock has declined 10% year-to-date [1][6] - The company is trading near multi-year lows at approximately $20 per share, which may attract investors looking for a rebound [2][6] Q1 Results - Pfizer reported Q1 earnings of $0.92 per share, surpassing EPS expectations of $0.64 by 43% and up from $0.82 in the same quarter last year [3][4] - Q1 sales totaled $13.71 billion, falling short of estimates of $13.83 billion and down from $14.87 billion year-over-year [4] Full-Year Guidance - Pfizer reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 guidance, projecting revenues between $61 billion and $64 billion, with Zacks projections at $63.48 billion [7] - The company expects adjusted FY25 EPS to be in the range of $2.80 to $3.00, with the Zacks Consensus at $2.99 [7] Valuation Metrics - Pfizer's stock is trading at a price-to-forward earnings ratio of 7.7X, significantly lower than its decade-high of 20.1X and below the S&P 500's 21.3X [8] - The stock is also trading at a discount compared to the Zacks industry average of 16.4X [8] Dividend Information - Pfizer offers an annual dividend yield of 7.46%, which is substantially higher than the industry average of 2.51% and the benchmark's 1.33% [10] - The company has increased its dividend for 16 consecutive years, despite losing its dividend aristocrat status during the 2008 financial crisis [10] Market Sentiment - Following the Q1 report, Pfizer holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), with earnings estimate revisions for FY25 and FY26 trending upward [12] - The company's strong performance in exceeding EPS expectations and its cost-saving initiatives may enhance its valuation and attract long-term investors [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, Pfizer reported revenues of $13.7 billion, a decline of 6% operationally, primarily due to lower Paxlovid revenues and changes in the IRA Medicare Part D redesign [24][25][27] - Diluted EPS for Q1 2025 was $0.52, with adjusted diluted EPS at $0.92, exceeding expectations due to strong gross margin and cost management [25][28] - Adjusted gross margin expanded to approximately 81%, driven by favorable crude royalties, despite an unfavorable product mix [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Vyndaqel family of products showed robust growth, although competition from new entrants is anticipated [19] - Nurtech revenue grew 40% operationally in Q1, reflecting strong demand and effective engagement with healthcare professionals [19] - The oncology portfolio, including TACCEV and LOBRENA, demonstrated significant growth, with TACCEV growing 25% and LOBRENA growing 39% operationally [20][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International operations returned to growth in Q1 2025, driven by disciplined focus on key growth drivers [18] - The U.S. market showed strength in key products, contributing to overall performance despite challenges from Paxlovid and other products [25][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Pfizer's strategic priority for 2025 includes improving R&D productivity and advancing its pipeline with a focus on potential blockbuster products [7][9] - The company is committed to building its cardiometabolic pipeline and exploring partnerships or acquisitions to enhance its offerings [8] - A refined commercial model has been implemented to prioritize impactful products and regions, enhancing operational efficiency [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the volatile external environment, emphasizing strong relationships with government leaders [6] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting revenues between $61 billion and $64 billion and adjusted diluted EPS between $2.8 and $3 [34] - Management highlighted ongoing productivity improvements and cost management as key to enhancing shareholder value [22][30] Other Important Information - Pfizer's capital allocation strategy includes maintaining and growing dividends while investing in R&D and pursuing share repurchases [29] - The company anticipates approximately $7.7 billion in savings by the end of 2027 from various cost improvement initiatives [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Dividend commitment amidst tariff uncertainties - Management reiterated that the dividend remains a critical component of their capital allocation strategy, emphasizing improved operating margins to support cash flow [39][43] Question: Stability of COVID business - Management indicated that Paxlovid utilization trends closely follow infection rates, with expectations of multiple COVID waves throughout the year [41][45] Question: Future obesity asset profile - Management confirmed a commitment to obesity treatment, focusing on differentiated oral medicines and addressing significant unmet needs in the market [52][55] Question: Impact of tariffs on manufacturing investments - Management expressed that certainty regarding tariffs would encourage significant investments in R&D and manufacturing in the U.S. [93][99] Question: Cost realignment program and guidance - Management stated that while $1.2 billion in additional savings is expected, most will be realized in 2026 and 2027, with some savings from R&D expected this year [102][105]

Albert Bourla, chairman and CEO of Pfizer, speaks at The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival in New York City, U.S., May 22, 2024.Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla on Tuesday said uncertainty around President Donald Trump's planned pharmaceutical tariffs is deterring the company from further investing in U.S. manufacturing and research and development. Bourla's remarks on the company's first-quarter earnings call came in response to a question about what Pfizer wants to see from tariff negotiations t ...