Key Takeaways AstraZeneca posted 8% revenue and 11% core EPS growth in 2025, led by 16 blockbusters.AZN guides mid-to-high single-digit 2026 revenue growth and targets $80B sales by 2030.Pfizer faces COVID declines and a 2026 LOE hit, with sales and EPS seen falling next year.Pfizer (PFE) and AstraZeneca (AZN) are two global pharmaceutical leaders with a commanding presence in oncology. For Pfizer, oncology is a key growth driver, accounting for roughly 27% of total company revenues. Beyond cancer therapies ...

Core Insights - Pfizer's COVID product sales have significantly declined from their peak, with projections of around $11 billion in 2024 and $6.7 billion in 2025, down from $56.7 billion in 2022. The company also faces challenges from U.S. Medicare Part D and upcoming patent expirations for key products between 2026 and 2030 [1][12] Non-COVID Revenue Growth - Non-COVID revenues for Pfizer are improving, driven by key products like Vyndaqel, Padcev, and Eliquis, as well as new launches and acquisitions. In 2023, Pfizer achieved a record number of FDA approvals, with nine new medicines and vaccines contributing to revenue growth [2][3] - Revenues from non-COVID products rose 6% operationally in 2025, with recently launched and acquired products generating $10.2 billion, reflecting a 14% operational growth year over year. Continued double-digit growth is expected for these products in 2026 [3] Strategic Acquisitions and Pipeline Development - Pfizer is focusing on rebuilding its pipeline through strategic acquisitions, investing approximately $9 billion in M&A deals in 2025, including the acquisition of Metsera and a licensing deal with 3SBio. The company plans to initiate 20 pivotal studies in 2026, targeting obesity and oncology [4][5] Competitive Landscape in Oncology - Pfizer is a major player in the oncology market, competing with companies like AstraZeneca, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers. Each of these companies has seen significant growth in their oncology segments, with AstraZeneca's oncology sales rising 14% in 2025, Merck's Keytruda generating $31.7 billion in sales, and J&J's oncology sales increasing by 20.9% [6][8][9][10] Financial Performance and Valuation - Pfizer's stock has increased by 8.4% over the past year, compared to a 17.3% increase in the industry. The company's shares are trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 9.33, which is lower than the industry average of 18.65 and its own 5-year mean of 10.23 [13][15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pfizer's 2026 earnings has slightly decreased from $2.99 to $2.98 per share, while the estimate for 2027 remains stable at $2.83 per share [17]

Core Insights - Pfizer reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of 66 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 57 cents, with a year-over-year earnings increase of 5% [1] - Total revenues for the quarter were $17.6 billion, a decline of 1% year-over-year on a reported basis and 3% on an operational basis, primarily due to decreased revenues from COVID-19 products [2] Revenue Breakdown - International revenues decreased by 4% on an operational basis to $8.44 billion, while U.S. revenues fell by 1% to $9.1 billion [2] - The Primary Care segment saw a 13% operational decline in sales to $7.94 billion, while Specialty Care recorded a 6% increase to $4.77 billion, and Oncology sales rose by 8% to $4.44 billion [3] Product Performance - Eliquis sales in Primary Care rose by 8% to $2.02 billion, although alliance revenues fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.14 billion [4] - Global revenues from the Prevnar family increased by 8% to $1.71 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.65 billion [5] - Comirnaty sales were $2.27 billion, down 35% year-over-year, but still beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.0 billion [6] - Paxlovid revenues dropped by 70% year-over-year to $218 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $289 million [7] Full-Year Results - For the full year 2025, Pfizer's sales declined by 2% to $62.6 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $61.94 billion [14] - Adjusted earnings for 2025 were $3.22 per share, a 4% increase year-over-year, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.13 [14] 2026 Guidance - Pfizer expects total revenues for 2026 to be between $59.5 billion and $62.5 billion, reflecting a decline from 2025 due to lower COVID product revenues and an impending patent cliff [16] - COVID sales are projected to be around $5 billion in 2026, down from approximately $6.7 billion in 2025 [17] - Adjusted earnings per share for 2026 are expected to be in the range of $2.80-$3.00, a decrease from 2025's EPS of $3.22 [17] Research and Development - Pfizer plans to initiate 20 pivotal studies in 2026, including 10 for ultra-long-acting obesity candidates from the Metsera acquisition [26] - Positive top-line data from a phase IIb study on PF-08653944 showed significant weight reduction, positioning Pfizer competitively against other weight loss therapies [20][21]

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer's Q4 earnings report exceeded market expectations despite declining demand for COVID-related products, and the company reaffirmed its moderate guidance for 2026, which had previously raised investor concerns [1][2]. Financial Performance - Pfizer reported Q4 revenue of $17.56 billion, a slight year-over-year decline of approximately 1%, primarily due to decreased demand for COVID vaccines and the oral drug Paxlovid [1]. - COVID vaccine sales were $2.3 billion, down one-third year-over-year but above the $2 billion expectation; Paxlovid sales were $218 million, significantly below the $589 million forecast and down over two-thirds year-over-year [1]. - The company recorded a net loss of $1.65 billion for the quarter, translating to a loss of $0.29 per share, compared to a net profit of $410 million or $0.07 per share in the same period last year [2]. - Adjusted EPS for Q4 was $0.66, exceeding the market expectation of $0.57 [2]. Future Guidance - Pfizer maintained its 2026 guidance, projecting adjusted EPS between $2.80 and $3.00 and revenue of $59.5 billion to $62.5 billion, roughly flat compared to 2025 [2]. - The company anticipates a decline of approximately $1.5 billion in revenue from COVID products, expecting total sales for these products to drop to $5 billion [2]. - Loss of market exclusivity for several products, including Prevnar, is expected to contribute to an additional revenue decline of about $1.5 billion [2]. Market Competition and Pricing Strategy - Pfizer's CFO indicated that the 2026 guidance accounts for price compression and narrowing profit margins, as part of a drug pricing agreement with the U.S. government [2][3]. - Under this agreement, Pfizer will supply existing drugs to Medicaid patients at the lowest prices in other developed countries and provide equal "most favored nation" pricing for Medicare and commercial insurers [3]. New Product Development - To offset declining sales from COVID products and established drugs, Pfizer is investing in pipeline products, including a $10 billion acquisition of obesity biotech company Metsera [4]. - Initial data from Metsera's obesity injection showed significant weight loss effects, with participants losing up to 12.3% of their weight after 28 weeks [4]. - However, investor skepticism remains regarding whether this acquisition can compensate for the revenue shortfall from COVID vaccine and oral drug sales, especially in a market dominated by established players [4].

Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, speaking on Squawk on the Street at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 20, 2026.Pfizer on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter results that topped estimates even amid dwindling demand for its Covid products, while reaffirming its modest 2026 guidance that rattled investors in December.The pharmaceutical giant is looking to longer-term investments in its pipeline, including its $10 billion acquisition of the obesity biotech Metsera, to counter waning Covid product ...

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].

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer is expected to report a decline in quarterly earnings and revenues, indicating challenges in its financial performance compared to the previous year [1]. Financial Performance - Quarterly earnings per share (EPS) are predicted to be $0.57, a decrease of 9.5% year-over-year [1]. - Revenues are forecasted at $16.93 billion, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 4.7% [1]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - There has been a 2% downward revision in the consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days, indicating analysts' reassessment of their forecasts [2]. - Revisions to earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor behavior and stock price performance [3]. Revenue Estimates by Segment - Revenues from Oncology (Ibrance) are expected to reach $1.03 billion, down 6.1% from the prior year [5]. - Specialty Care (Xeljanz) revenues are estimated at $335.30 million, a decrease of 3.9% year-over-year [5]. - Specialty Care (Inflectra) revenues are projected at $173.25 million, showing a significant increase of 36.4% year-over-year [6]. - Oncology (Xtandi) revenues are expected to be $622.10 million, reflecting a 10.1% increase from the previous year [6]. Regional Revenue Insights - U.S. revenues for Oncology (Ibrance) are estimated at $665.80 million, down 6.6% from the year-ago quarter [7]. - Total international revenues for Specialty Care (Xeljanz) are expected to be $112.62 million, indicating a 12% decline year-over-year [7]. - U.S. revenues for Specialty Care (Inflectra) are projected at $150.80 million, a substantial increase of 135.6% year-over-year [8]. - Pfizer CentreOne revenues in the U.S. are estimated at $92.82 million, reflecting a 13.2% increase from the prior year [9]. Overall Market Performance - Pfizer shares have returned +3.9% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.8% change [10]. - With a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), Pfizer is expected to underperform the overall market in the near future [10].

Core Insights - Pfizer is scheduled to release its Q4 and full-year 2025 results on February 3, with a focus on oncology sales, which account for over 28% of total revenues [1] Oncology Segment - Key cancer drugs contributing to oncology sales include Ibrance, Xtandi, Lorbrena, Braftovi/Mektovi, and Seagen-acquired antibody-drug conjugates like Padcev [1] Primary Care Segment - Alliance revenues and direct sales from Eliquis are expected to rise due to increased global demand, although this is partially offset by price and generic erosion in some non-U.S. markets [3] - Sales of the Prevnar vaccine family are anticipated to decline due to lower demand in the U.S., despite higher international sales [3][4] Specialty Care Segment - Sales of Vyndaqel are projected to remain strong due to continued demand growth, while sales of Xeljanz and Enbrel may decline [7][9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vyndaqel sales is set at $1.66 billion [7] COVID-19 Products - Revenues from the COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty are likely to decline due to narrower recommendations in the U.S., affecting the eligible patient population [5] - Sales of Paxlovid are also expected to decrease due to lower COVID-19 infection rates [5] Newer Products - Sales of the RSV vaccine Abrysvo in the U.S. are expected to be impacted by limited vaccination recommendations, although international sales may rise [6] - Strong demand for Nurtec ODT/Vydura in the U.S. is anticipated, aided by recent international launches, despite some offset from the IRA Medical Part D redesign and the 340B program [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - Pfizer's stock has declined by 2.5% over the past year, contrasting with a 24.1% rise in the industry [8] - The company is trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 8.58, which is lower than the industry average of 17.73 and its five-year mean of 10.31 [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings has decreased from $3.14 to $3.00 per share over the past 60 days [11]

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer's dividend is considered relatively safe as 2026 begins, despite concerns regarding its high payout ratios and upcoming patent expirations [1][12][14] Financial Performance - Pfizer reported earnings of over $9.4 billion in the first nine months of 2025, with a market capitalization exceeding $140 billion [1] - The company has a forward dividend yield of 6.9% and a high dividend payout ratio of 99.4%, indicating it is barely covering its dividend with earnings [3][1] Cash Flow Analysis - Pfizer generated free cash flow of $10.4 billion in the 12 months ending September 30, 2025, while paying out $9.7 billion in dividends, resulting in a free cash flow payout ratio of 93.3% [6][12] - The free cash flow payout ratio is viewed as less concerning compared to the earnings-based payout ratio [12] Dividend History - Pfizer has increased its dividend for 16 consecutive years and has declared dividends for 349 consecutive quarters since 1937, showcasing a strong track record [7][10] Management Commitment - Pfizer's management, including CEO Albert Bourla and CFO David Denton, has reaffirmed a strong commitment to maintaining and growing the dividend over time [10][9] Patent Expiration Concerns - The company faces a significant patent cliff with key drugs like Eliquis and Xeljanz losing U.S. patent exclusivity, which could impact earnings and cash flow [10][11] - Management believes that investments in newly acquired and launched products will help offset the losses from patent expirations [11]

Core Insights - Pfizer anticipates a significant revenue decline due to the loss of exclusivity for key products between 2026 and 2030, including Eliquis, Vyndaqel, Ibrance, Xeljanz, and Xtandi, all facing patent expirations [1][9] - The company has bolstered its R&D pipeline through mergers and acquisitions, successful data readouts, and pivotal program initiations, positioning itself for sustainable growth post-LOE [1][7] Oncology Pipeline - Pfizer has advanced its oncology pipeline with several candidates in late-stage development, including vepdegestrant for ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, atirmociclib for HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, and sigvotatug vedotin for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer [2] - By 2030, Pfizer expects to have eight or more blockbuster oncology medicines in its portfolio [4] Non-Oncology Developments - In non-oncology areas, Pfizer is developing an mRNA flu/COVID combination vaccine and osivelotor for sickle cell disease, both in late-stage development [4] - The company is also expanding the labels of approved products like Padcev, which was recently approved by the FDA in combination with Merck's Keytruda for specific bladder cancer patients [5] Obesity Market Expansion - Pfizer is strengthening its presence in the obesity market, currently dominated by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, through the $10 billion acquisition of Metsera and the in-licensing of YP05002, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist [6] - The Metsera acquisition added four novel clinical-stage programs for obesity, expected to generate billions in peak sales [6] Competitive Landscape - Pfizer faces revenue headwinds from patent expirations but is positioned for long-term growth through its expanding late-stage pipeline in oncology and investments in obesity, vaccines, and rare diseases [7] - The oncology market is competitive, with major players like AstraZeneca, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers also focusing on oncology sales [10][11][12][13] Financial Performance - Pfizer's stock has declined 7% over the past year, while the industry has seen a 16% increase [14] - The company's shares are trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 8.18, below the industry average of 17.40 and its own 5-year mean of 10.39, indicating attractive valuation [16] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has increased slightly to $3.10 per share, while the estimate for 2026 has decreased to $3.04 per share [18]