COVID - 19 Impact
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Can Pfizer Reignite Growth Amid COVID Declines and Patent Expirations?
ZACKS· 2026-03-05 14:46
Core Insights - Pfizer (PFE) is facing significant near-term challenges, including declining COVID-19 product sales, the impending loss of exclusivity (LOE) for several key drugs, and headwinds from U.S. Medicare Part D, which could negatively impact sales and profits starting in 2026 [2][12]. Revenue Impact - The LOE cliff is projected to result in a revenue decline of approximately $1.5 billion in 2026 as key products like Eliquis, Vyndaqel, Ibrance, Xeljanz, and Xtandi approach patent expirations [3][12]. - The redesign of Medicare Part D under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is expected to adversely affect Pfizer's revenues in 2025 and continue into 2026, particularly impacting higher-priced drugs [4][12]. - COVID-19 product sales, specifically Comirnaty and Paxlovid, have sharply declined from their 2022 peak, with projected COVID revenues around $5 billion in 2026, down from approximately $6.7 billion in 2025 [5][4]. Strategic Initiatives - To address these challenges, Pfizer is focusing on rebuilding its pipeline in oncology and obesity, aiming for growth in 2028 and beyond. The company is actively acquiring assets to offset lost COVID revenues and has initiated a multi-year cost realignment program to enhance margins [6][12]. - Despite the introduction of new and acquired products, they have not yet compensated for the revenue losses from legacy products and the decline in COVID-related sales [7]. Competitive Landscape - Pfizer is a major player in the oncology market, competing with other large pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers [8]. - AstraZeneca's oncology sales accounted for about 44% of its total revenues, with a 14% increase in 2025 driven by key products [9]. - Merck's Keytruda, a leading oncology drug, generated $31.7 billion in sales in 2025, marking a 7% year-over-year increase [10]. - Johnson & Johnson's oncology sales rose 20.9% in 2025, contributing significantly to its overall revenue growth [11]. - Bristol-Myers' Opdivo, a key cancer drug, accounted for around 21% of its total revenues, with sales increasing by 8% to $10 billion in 2025 [13]. Financial Performance - Pfizer's stock has increased by 1.4% over the past year, compared to an 8.6% rise in the industry [14]. - The company's valuation appears attractive, trading at a price/earnings ratio of 9.04, significantly lower than the industry average of 18.22 and its five-year mean of 10.20 [16]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings has slightly decreased from $2.99 to $2.97 per share, while the estimate for 2027 remains stable at $2.83 [18].