Earnings: Pfizer edges past Q4 estimates, shares dip on weak outlook

Pfizer (PFE) reported a better-than-expected 2% increase in fourth-quarter revenues to $13.9 billion. Earnings rose to 64 cents per share from 62 cents per share a year ago, surpassing analysts’ estimate of 63 cents per share.

During the quarter, an 8% growth in Innovative Health top-line was partly offset by a 7% decline in its smaller Essential Health segment.

PFE shares were down 3% during pre-market trading on Tuesday as investors were not impressed by the outlook given by the company.

Pfizer said it expects revenues to come in the range of $52 billion to $54 billion for the full year 2019, while adjusted EPS is expected to come in the range of $2.82 to $2.92.

Shares of the pharmaceutical giant have been almost flat in the last 12 months. It closed its last trading session down 2.73% on Monday.

Pfizer Q4 2018 complete earnings call transcript

Albert Bourla, who took charge as the CEO on Jan 1, said, “2019 is expected to be a busy year with important clinical data readouts across our early-, mid- and late-stage pipeline. In the near term, we expect to report pivotal top-line results for tanezumab in chronic lower back pain as well as additional data in osteoarthritis following today’s announcement of a second positive Phase 3 trial.”

Last week, Pfizer was downgraded from Buy to Neutral by UBS analyst Navin Jacob who raised concerns about the company’s patent cliffs for many of its key products. In November, Pfizer lost a patent war in the UK for its drug Lyrica.

Allergan’s stock falls after company reports loss in Q4

The biggest development during the quarter was the joint venture between Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) on their consumer health businesses. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of this year and the combined entity will be a giant in the consumer health sector. This will be a key point to watch out for during the results announcement.

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