Should You Buy, Sell or Hold Pfizer Stock Ahead of Q4 Earnings?

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer is expected to report its Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings on February 3, with consensus estimates of $16.93 billion in sales and $0.57 earnings per share (EPS) [1][7]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pfizer's Q4 sales is $16.93 billion and EPS is $0.57, with a decline in 2026 earnings estimates from $3.15 to $2.99 per share over the past 60 days [1][2]. - The earnings surprise history shows Pfizer has exceeded earnings expectations in the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 35.33% [2][3]. Segment Performance Expectations - Q4 growth is anticipated from oncology drugs and Vyndaqel, but offset by weaker COVID products and Prevnar [7]. - Sales of Vyndaqel, Eliquis, Padcev, and Lorbrena are expected to drive top-line growth, while Prevnar and Xeljanz sales have declined [8]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Eliquis alliance revenues is $2.14 billion, and for Prevnar family vaccines is $1.65 billion [10][11]. - Revenues from Comirnaty are expected to decline due to narrower COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, with estimates of $2.0 billion for Comirnaty and $289 million for Paxlovid [12][13]. Oncology and Specialty Care Insights - Oncology sales are expected to be driven by Xtandi, Lorbrena, and Braftovi-Mektovi, while Ibrance sales may decline [14]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Padcev is $527 million and for Ibrance is $1.03 billion [15]. - In Specialty Care, Vyndaqel sales are expected to remain strong at $1.66 billion, while Xeljanz and Enbrel sales may decline [16]. Financial Guidance and Acquisitions - Pfizer expects total revenues for 2026 to be between $59.5 billion and $62.5 billion, with adjusted EPS in the range of $2.80-$3.00 [17]. - A one-time R&D charge related to the acquisition of Metsera will impact Q4 EPS [18]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Pfizer's stock has declined 1.6% over the past year, compared to a 16.4% return for the industry [20]. - The stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of 8.84, lower than the industry average of 18.18 and its five-year mean of 10.25 [23]. Long-Term Outlook - Pfizer's dependence on COVID-related revenues has decreased, with non-COVID operational revenues improving [26]. - The company is focusing on rebuilding its pipeline through acquisitions, with significant investments in business development [28]. - However, challenges remain, including declining COVID product sales and upcoming patent expirations that could negatively impact revenues by approximately $1.5 billion in 2026 [29][30]. - Long-term investors may consider holding the stock as Pfizer aims for growth from its oncology and obesity pipeline starting in 2029 [33].