Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) Stock Price Down 1.1% - Here's Why

Key Points

• Pfizer shares fell 1.1% to about $29.46 in mid-day trading, with volume 34% below the average session level.
• Recent pipeline developments were positive: ELREXFIO met its Phase 3 primary endpoint in multiple myeloma, and the FDA expanded TALZENNA-plus-XTANDI approval for earlier-line metastatic prostate cancer. However, ELREXFIO safety concerns, declining COVID revenue and upcoming patent expirations remain risks.
• Analysts maintain a broadly cautious view, with a consensus “Hold” rating and average price target of $28.72. Pfizer also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share, equivalent to a 5.8% annualized yield, though its payout ratio is elevated at 226.32%.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE - Get Free Report)'s stock price fell 1.1% during mid-day trading on Wednesday. The company traded as low as $29.22 and last traded at $29.4580. 26,282,167 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 34% from the average session volume of 39,633,066 shares. The stock had previously closed at $29.80.

Pfizer News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Pfizer this week:

• Positive Sentiment: ELREXFIO delivers another Phase 3 success: Pfizer said its MagnetisMM-32 trial met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful progression-free survival benefit versus standard regimens in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The result could support broader use and future regulatory submissions for ELREXFIO. Pfizer ELREXFIO Phase 3 trial results
• Positive Sentiment: Expanded prostate-cancer opportunity: The FDA expanded approval of TALZENNA combined with XTANDI for earlier-line treatment of metastatic prostate cancer patients with HRR gene mutations. The decision increases the addressable market for the oncology portfolio and was based on positive Phase 3 data. FDA approval for Talzenna and Xtandi
• Positive Sentiment: Analyst and earnings optimism: Scotiabank and Jefferies reportedly issued Buy ratings, while previews suggest Pfizer could beat upcoming earnings expectations, supported by strong non-COVID drug sales and an attractive valuation. Scotiabank Buy rating
• Neutral Sentiment: Q3 earnings are the next major catalyst: Investors will look for evidence that Pfizer’s core portfolio can offset fading COVID-product revenue, as well as updated guidance and commentary on patent expirations.
• Neutral Sentiment: Former Pfizer technology chief Lidia Fonseca was elected to ManpowerGroup’s board, a corporate development with limited direct financial impact on Pfizer. ManpowerGroup elects Lidia Fonseca
• Negative Sentiment: Safety concerns temper the ELREXFIO news: Coverage of the latest trial highlighted higher infection rates, while median progression-free survival had not yet been reached. Investors may therefore want more detailed safety and durability data before assigning substantial value to the result. ELREXFIO trial infection concerns
• Negative Sentiment: Pfizer continues to face declining COVID revenues and upcoming patent expirations, creating pressure on long-term growth even as oncology sales and new approvals improve its pipeline.

Analyst Ratings Changes

PFE has been the subject of several analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Pfizer from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research note on Friday, October 9th. Scotiabank upped their price target on Pfizer from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 6th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on shares of Pfizer from $34.00 to $30.00 and set an "outperform" rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 13th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Pfizer from a "hold (c-)" rating to a "hold (c)" rating in a report on Monday, August 31st. Finally, HSBC raised their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a "hold" rating in a research report on Thursday, September 10th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $28.72.

Pfizer Stock Down 1.1%

The company has a 50 day moving average of $28.42 and a 200-day moving average of $26.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 0.96. The company has a market cap of $167.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 0.32.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $15.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $14.40 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 19.63% and a net margin of 6.80%. The company's revenue was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.78 EPS. Pfizer has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.800-3.000 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.94 earnings per share for the current year.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 7th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 6th. Pfizer's payout ratio is currently 226.32%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Pfizer

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Retirement Wealth Solutions LLC lifted its stake in Pfizer by 144.6% in the third quarter. Retirement Wealth Solutions LLC now owns 861 shares of the biopharmaceutical company's stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 509 shares during the last quarter. Keb Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Pfizer in the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Field & Main Bank bought a new stake in Pfizer in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 132.2% during the first quarter. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. now owns 994 shares of the biopharmaceutical company's stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 566 shares during the period. Finally, Bullseye Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.36% of the company's stock.

About Pfizer

Pfizer Inc is a global biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes prescription medicines and vaccines. Its research activities span areas including oncology, internal medicine, inflammation and immunology, hospital care, infectious diseases and rare diseases.

The company's portfolio includes medicines such as Eliquis, Ibrance, Prevnar and Vyndaqel, as well as vaccines including Comirnaty, Abrysvo and Prevnar. Pfizer also develops treatments through internal research, licensing agreements and collaborations with other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Founded in Brooklyn, New York, in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, Pfizer has grown into an international healthcare company serving patients and healthcare providers in markets around the world.

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