Why Pfizer's 7%-Yielding Dividend Just Became Safer -- and More Tempting

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer's dividend remains attractive to income investors despite a decline in stock price, supported by a strong forward dividend yield of 7% and positive developments in its financial outlook [2]. Group 1: Earnings Outlook - Pfizer's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) decreased by 18% year over year in Q3, primarily due to a one-time charge related to a licensing deal, but adjusted EPS would have slightly increased without this charge [3][5]. - The company raised its full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance to a range of $3.00 to $3.15, reflecting management's confidence in Q4 performance [6]. Group 2: Cost Reductions - Pfizer is on track to achieve at least $4.5 billion in cumulative net cost savings by the end of 2025, with expectations of around $7.7 billion in savings by the end of 2027 [7]. - Approximately $500 million of the identified cost savings will be reinvested in R&D, while the majority will be available for capital allocation priorities, including funding the dividend [8]. Group 3: Patent Cliff Strategy - Pfizer's strategy to address the patent cliff appears effective, with strong sales momentum from recently acquired products and internal R&D efforts [9]. - Revenue from recent launches and acquired products increased by 9% year over year in Q3, which is expected to offset the negative impact of upcoming patent expirations [11]. Group 4: Management Support for Dividend - Pfizer's management reiterated its commitment to the dividend during the Q3 earnings call, emphasizing a capital allocation strategy that includes maintaining and growing the dividend over time [12][13]. - The company has reduced leverage from around 4 times to 2.7 times, providing increased flexibility to support both business development and dividend growth [14].