Better-than-expected earnings, cost cuts boost confidence
Pfizer has raised its full-year profit forecast following a stronger-than-anticipated second quarter, citing effective cost reductions and improved performance across its product lines. The pharmaceutical giant now expects adjusted earnings per share to range between $2.90 and $3.10, up from a prior estimate of $2.80 to $3.00.
Second-quarter revenue reached $14.65 billion, surpassing Wall Street projections of $13.56 billion. Adjusted earnings hit 78 cents per share, compared to expectations of 58 cents. Shares rose more than 4% after the announcement, reflecting renewed investor confidence.
Covid products and heart drugs drive sales growth
Pandemic-related treatments continued to support Pfizer’s revenue, even as global Covid cases decline. The company’s vaccine, Comirnaty, brought in $381 million — nearly double what analysts predicted. Sales of the antiviral pill Paxlovid also outperformed, generating $427 million, boosted by stronger U.S. pricing and increased demand in select markets.
Other strong performers included Vyndaqel, a cardiomyopathy treatment, and the oncology drug Padcev. Blood thinner Eliquis, co-marketed with Bristol Myers Squibb, also exceeded analyst estimates. These gains helped offset declining revenue from Ibrance, Pfizer’s breast cancer drug, which faced pricing pressure and increased competition.
Policy pressures and tariff risks loom
Pfizer’s updated guidance factors in ongoing trade tensions and potential regulatory changes. President Donald Trump has urged the pharmaceutical industry to reduce drug prices and floated steep tariffs — up to 250% — on imported pharmaceuticals. While the company’s current outlook includes under $100 million in tariff-related costs, executives acknowledged that further policy moves could create new risks.
CEO Albert Bourla confirmed Pfizer is in active discussions with the Trump administration, aiming to balance affordability with global competitiveness. The company has not disclosed the full potential financial impact of the “most favored nation” pricing plan but signaled concern about its implications.
Cost cuts fuel long-term efficiency
To rebound from the post-Covid slump, Pfizer has doubled down on cost-saving efforts. With expanded restructuring announced earlier this year, the company now targets $7.7 billion in savings by 2027. These efforts include licensing deals such as a new agreement with China’s 3SBio to distribute a cancer drug outside of China, which includes a one-time $1.35 billion charge factored into the latest forecast.
Despite regulatory uncertainty, Pfizer’s results and revised outlook demonstrate a stronger financial footing. Net income for the second quarter soared to $2.91 billion from just $41 million a year ago, underscoring the company’s recovery trajectory.
