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.

Should you invest $1,000 in Amazon right now?

Before you buy Amazon shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Amazon wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

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

A woman holds a soldering tool as she sits in front of a computer screen while working on the manufacturing of technology equipment in a laboratory environment.
International Stock News

Prediction: This artificial intelligence (AI) stock will be worth $5 trillion in 3 years

Let's take a closer look at the catalysts that could propel this stock toward that valuation.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.
International Stock News

This Artificial Intelligence (AI) chipmaker just got a game-changing boost from Amazon, and Nvidia investors should be paying close attention

Amazon just made a notable investment in Nvidia's top rival.

Read more »

Happy man working on his laptop.
International Stock News

A once-in-a-decade opportunity: Here's why I'm buying Alphabet stock like there's no tomorrow

Alphabet's stock rarely gets this cheap, and right now could be a once-in-a-decade opportunity to scoop up shares at a…

Read more »

A woman looks questioning as she puts a coin into a piggy bank.
International Stock News

Is Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway the smartest investment you can make today?

So, with all the uncertainty, is Berkshire Hathaway the smartest investment you can make today?

Read more »

Warren Buffet
International Stock News

7 ways Warren Buffett changed my investing approach

I'm a big fan of Warren Buffett, and have been for many years.

Read more »

iPhone with the logo and the word Google spelt multiple times in the background.
International Stock News

Down 12% this year, should you buy Alphabet stock?

The Google owner is underperforming the Nasdaq Composite, which has rallied in recent weeks.

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
International Stock News

Missed out on Apple in 2012? Buying Nvidia stock today could be your second chance

By now, it's clear that artificial intelligence (AI) is the next major technology platform.

Read more »

Robot humanoid using artificial intelligence on a laptop.
International Stock News

3 reasons Amazon stock looks like an incredible bargain right now

Here are three reasons Amazon stock looks like a rare bargain at current levels.

Read more »