Key factors to note when Pfizer (PFE) reports Q4 earnings results

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) is scheduled to report fourth quarter 2019 earnings results on Tuesday, January 28, before the market opens. Both revenue and earnings are expected to be lower than the numbers reported in the year-ago period.

Analysts have forecast earnings of $0.57 per share which is lower than $0.64 reported last year. Revenues are expected to drop 9% to $12.61 billion.

The company’s key products Ibrance, Xeljanz, Eliquis and Inlyta can be expected to continue their momentum in the fourth quarter boosting growth in the Biopharma segment. However, it remains to be seen if the weakness in Enbrel and Prevnar 13 will continue in the to-be-reported quarter.    

The Upjohn division has seen weak revenues due to volume declines and generic competition for some of its products. It remains to be seen if this trend carries on into the fourth quarter as well.

Pfizer has received several FDA approvals during the quarter including the approval of biosimilar ABRILADA for the treatment of multiple inflammatory conditions as well as XELJANZ XR extended release tablets for ulcerative colitis. Updates on this area will be worth watching.

Also read: Pfizer Q3 2019 Earnings Conference Call Transcript

Another topic to note will be updates on the combination of Mylan NV (NASDAQ: MYL) and Upjohn, which is anticipated to be completed in mid-2020.  

In the third quarter of 2019, Pfizer topped market expectations despite posting declines in the top and bottom line numbers. Revenues fell 5% to $12.7 billion while adjusted EPS dropped 2% to $0.75. Revenues in the Biopharma segment increased 7% while the Upjohn and Consumer Healthcare divisions saw sales declines of 28% and 55% respectively.

For the full year of 2019, Pfizer has guided for revenues of $51.2 billion to $52.2 billion and adjusted EPS of $2.94 to $3.00.

Shares of Pfizer have declined 5% in the past one year. The stock has an average price target of $41.26.

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