Pfizer Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates, Several Headwinds Hurt Sales

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer reported mixed first-quarter results for 2025, with adjusted earnings per share of 92 cents exceeding estimates but revenues of $13.72 billion falling short of expectations, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 8% [1][2][15]. Revenue Performance - Total revenues were $13.72 billion, down 8% year-over-year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $13.89 billion, with operationally a decrease of 6% and a negative currency impact of 2% [2]. - International revenues increased by 4% operationally to $5.34 billion, while U.S. revenues declined by 12% to $8.37 billion [3]. Product Segment Analysis - Primary Care segment sales fell 20% operationally to $5.7 billion, with Eliquis sales declining 4% to $1.92 billion due to pricing pressures from the Inflation Reduction Act [4][5]. - Specialty Care sales rose 6% to $4.0 billion, driven by Vyndaqel family revenues increasing by 33% to $1.49 billion [4][10]. - Oncology sales increased by 7% to $3.76 billion, with Padcev sales rising 25% to $426 million, while Ibrance revenues declined by 6% to $977 million [4][12][13]. Key Product Performance - Paxlovid revenues dropped 75% year-over-year to $491 million, missing estimates [8]. - Comirnaty sales rose 62% year-over-year to $565 million, exceeding expectations [7]. - The RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, recorded sales of $131 million, down 6% year-over-year, missing estimates [9]. Cost Management - Adjusted selling, informational, and administrative expenses decreased by 12% to $3.01 billion, while adjusted R&D expenses also fell by 12% to $2.17 billion [3]. 2025 Guidance - Pfizer reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, projecting total revenues between $61.0 billion and $64.0 billion, with adjusted earnings per share expected in the range of $2.80 to $3.00 [14][16]. Market Context - Pfizer's stock has declined 11.7% year-to-date, contrasting with a 1.5% increase in the industry [16]. - The company faces challenges from declining COVID-19 product sales and potential patent expirations impacting key products from 2026 to 2030 [17]. Strategic Outlook - Pfizer anticipates that non-COVID drug sales and new product contributions will drive revenue growth in 2025, alongside cost-cutting measures expected to yield savings of $7.7 billion by the end of 2027 [20].