3 Reasons Pfizer's 7%-Yielding Dividend Is Getting Safer

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer's dividend yield of 7% is becoming more sustainable due to improved cash flow, lower leverage, and new product launches that can offset revenue losses from patent expirations [2][3][9]. Group 1: Free Cash Flow Improvement - Pfizer's free cash flow was $571 million in the first half of 2025, while dividends paid amounted to $4.9 billion, raising concerns about sustainability [3]. - The company expects improved cash flows in the second half of 2025, aided by a $2.1 billion tax payment and a payment to BioNTech [4]. - Pfizer anticipates $7.7 billion in savings from cost-cutting initiatives by the end of 2027, with a portion reinvested in pipeline development, potentially boosting free cash flow [5]. Group 2: Financial Flexibility and Leverage - Pfizer's capital allocation strategy prioritizes maintaining and growing the dividend, reinvesting in the business, and stock buybacks [6]. - The company has reduced its gross leverage ratio to approximately 2.7 from a previous target of 3.25, allowing for more financial flexibility [7]. - Improved cash generation post-Seagen acquisition enhances the ability to maintain and grow the dividend [8]. Group 3: New Products and Patent Cliff - Pfizer faces a patent cliff with several key drugs losing exclusivity, which poses a risk to revenue and dividend payments [9][10]. - However, strong revenue growth from recent product launches and acquisitions is expected to offset these losses [12]. - Notable products include Elrexfio, projected to become a standard treatment for multiple myeloma, and Sigvotatug vedotin, targeting non-small-cell lung cancer [12][13].