2 Strong Healthcare Stock Picks for Value Investors

Group 1: Pfizer's Growth Strategy - The acquisition of Seagen for $43 billion in 2023 is crucial for Pfizer's growth strategy to address patent losses and transition from the pandemic era, significantly enhancing its cancer drug portfolio and pipeline [1] - Pfizer has over 100 drug candidates in development, with 28 in late-stage trials, focusing on oncology and immunology, as it faces patent cliffs on key blockbuster drugs between 2026 and 2028 [2] - Pfizer's oncology revenue grew by 9% in the first half of 2025, with key products like Xtandi, Lorbrena, and Padcev driving growth [8] Group 2: Financial Performance - Pfizer returned $4.9 billion to shareholders through dividends in the first half of 2025 and generated free cash flow of about $16 billion over the trailing 12 months [3] - The company's stock has become relatively cheap compared to historical levels, with a dividend yield exceeding 7%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average and most healthcare peers [4] - Pfizer reported $28.4 billion in revenue in the first half of 2025, with recently launched and acquired products contributing about $5 billion, reflecting a 15% operational increase compared to the previous year [9] Group 3: Recent Acquisitions and Market Position - Pfizer is in an acquisitive phase, recently acquiring Metsera for $10 billion, targeting the GLP-1 weight loss drug market, despite competition from Novo Nordisk [10] - The company aims to maximize the performance of its non-COVID products, which are expected to generate approximately $20 billion in revenue by 2030 [8] - Pfizer's strategic focus on a robust product pipeline and discounted valuation may present an attractive buy-and-hold opportunity for value investors [11] Group 4: Market Dynamics - Healthcare stocks, including Pfizer, can be temporarily undervalued, presenting opportunities for value investors to acquire shares at favorable levels [5] - Many healthcare companies operate in stable industries with strong balance sheets and cash flows, making them attractive to value investors [6]