Why Pfizer Fell Short in Q4

Photo of Chris Lange
By Chris Lange Updated Published
This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.
Why Pfizer Fell Short in Q4

© Wikimedia Commons

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE | PFE Price Prediction) released its fourth-quarter financial results before the markets opened on Tuesday. The pharma giant said that it had $0.64 in earnings per share (EPS) and $14.0 billion in revenue, which compares with consensus estimates of $0.63 in EPS and $13.91 billion in revenue. In the same period of last year, Pfizer said it had $0.62 in EPS and $13.7 billion in revenue.

At the start of the 2019 fiscal year, Pfizer began operating in its previously announced new commercial structure, reorganizing operations into three businesses: Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group (PBG), Upjohn and Consumer Healthcare. The firm will provide financial reporting to reflect this reorganization in the first quarter.

In terms of its current segments, Pfizer reported:

  • Innovative Health total revenues increased 8% year over year to $8.85 billion.
  • Essential Health total revenues decreased 7% to $5.12 billion.

[nativounit]

Looking ahead to the 2019 full year, the company expects to see EPS in the range of $2.82 to $2.92 and revenue between $52.0 billion to $54.0 billion. Consensus estimates are calling for $3.00 in EPS and $53.54 billion in revenue.

In 2019, Pfizer anticipates quarterly dividend payments of $0.36 per share of common stock in addition to approximately $9 billion of share repurchases, of which $1.4 billion have been repurchased through January 29, 2019.

Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s CEO, commented:

We enter 2019 with confidence in the competitive positioning of our businesses, the prospects for our recently launched products and product line extensions, as well as the strength and breadth of our research pipeline. Our focus remains on advancing science and innovation in areas that we believe will serve the unmet needs of patients and also create the most attractive opportunities for value creation.

Shares of Pfizer closed Monday at $39.53, with a 52-week range of $33.20 to $46.47. The stock has a consensus analyst price target of $44.77. Following the announcement, the stock was down about 3% at $38.40 in early trading indications Tuesday.

[recirclink id=524392]

[wallst_email_signup]

Photo of Chris Lange
About the Author Chris Lange →

Chris Lange is a writer for 24/7 Wall St., based in Houston. He has covered financial markets over the past decade with an emphasis on healthcare, tech, and IPOs. During this time, he has published thousands of articles with insightful analysis across these complex fields. Currently, Lange's focus is on military and geopolitical topics.

Lange's work has been quoted or mentioned in Forbes, The New York Times, Business Insider, USA Today, MSN, Yahoo, The Verge, Vice, The Intelligencer, Quartz, Nasdaq, The Motley Fool, Fox Business, International Business Times, The Street, Seeking Alpha, Barron’s, Benzinga, and many other major publications.

A graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, Lange majored in business with a particular focus on investments. He has previous experience in the banking industry and startups.

Featured Reads

Our top personal finance-related articles today. Your wallet will thank you later.

Continue Reading

Top Gaining Stocks

CBOE Vol: 1,568,143
PSKY Vol: 12,285,993
STX Vol: 7,378,346
ORCL Vol: 26,317,675
DDOG Vol: 6,247,779

Top Losing Stocks

LKQ
LKQ Vol: 4,367,433
CLX Vol: 13,260,523
SYK Vol: 4,519,455
MHK Vol: 1,859,865
AMGN Vol: 3,818,618