Why the Pfizer share price shot higher on Wednesday

The company's powerful growth isn't only due to its coronavirus vaccine.

| More on:
Bottle of tablets spilling over onto piles of US dollars

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

What happened

Inoculating the world can be quite beneficial for a big pharmaceutical company's finances. Such is the case with Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE), the shares of which closed Wednesday more than 3% higher on the back of top- and bottom-line beats in its latest quarter.

So what

Wednesday morning, Pfizer unveiled its Q2 figures. They revealed that the pharmaceutical sector giant earned revenue of $19 billion, a robust 86% higher than in the same quarter of 2020. Much of this was, of course, due to the BNT162b2 coronavirus vaccine it's developed with Germany-based BioNTech. But even stripping out the vaccine's sales from the top line, the company still managed to grow revenue by 10% to $11.1 billion. On average, analysts tracking Pfizer stock were modeling $18.45 billion.

The company notched a more convincing beat with net profit. This also saw quite a leap, as on a non-GAAP (adjusted) basis it increased by 75% to $6.08 billion ($1.07 per share). Those analysts were anticipating $0.96 per share.

Quoted by the company as saying the quarter was "remarkable," CEO Albert Bourla signaled optimism for the coming years. He and his troops believe Pfizer will be able to hit a 6% compound annual revenue growth rate through 2025. 

Now what

With that powerful quarter behind it, the confident Pfizer has upped its full-year guidance. It now expects $78 billion to $80 billion in revenue (previous estimate: $70.5 billion to $72.5 billion), and adjusted diluted per-share earnings of $3.95 to $4.05 (up from $3.55 to $3.65).

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on International Stock News

Robot hand and human hand touching the same space on a digital screen, symbolising artificial intelligence.
International Stock News

Microsoft shares slump as investors are split on the AI capex boom

Microsoft’s capital expenditure jumped 66% year on year, driven by aggressive spend on AI infrastructure.

Read more »

red arrow representing a rise of the share price with a man wearing a cape holding it at the top
Share Market News

Goldman Sachs reveals 2026 predictions for S&P 500 and other global markets

What's the outlook?

Read more »

A businesman's hands surround a circular graphic with a United States flag and dollar signs, indicating buying and selling US shares
ETFs

Own IVV ETF? Here are your returns for 2025

US stocks outperformed ASX shares but the stronger Aussie dollar eroded returns for IVV ETF investors.

Read more »

A woman pulls her jumper up over her face, hiding.
International Stock News

Here's how the US Magnificent Seven stocks performed in 2025

Not so magnificent: 5 of the 7 stocks underperformed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite.

Read more »

the australian flag lies alongside the united states flag on a flat surface.
Share Market News

US stocks vs. ASX shares in 2025

Which market came out on top?

Read more »

A female engineer inspects a printed circuit board for an artificial intelligence (AI) microchip company.
International Stock News

Should you really invest in AI stocks in 2026? Here's what other investors are saying

Is AI headed for a bubble? Or is there still room for growth?

Read more »

Happy teen friends jumping in front of a wall.
International Stock News

4 reasons to buy Nvidia stock like there's no tomorrow

Nvidia's 2026 is shaping up to be just as good as 2025.

Read more »

Hand with AI in capital letters and AI-related digital icons.
International Stock News

2 AI stocks to buy in January and hold for 20 years

Investing in these tech leaders can help you profit from a generational opportunity.

Read more »