Pfizer's management predicts that the company's adjusted earnings per share will land in a range between $2.15 and $2.35. This is more than it needs to meet a dividend commitment currently set at an annualized $1.68 per share.
In the first quarter, Pfizer's sales of Comirnaty and Paxlovid experienced a significant decline compared to the previous year. Combined sales of the two products fell more than 60% year over year to $2.4 billion. This decline is primarily attributed to a decrease in demand and contracted deliveries in both international and U.S. markets. Despite the sinking sales, Pfizer's dividend program remains strong, offering a substantial 6.1% yield. The company's adjusted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $2.15 to $2.35, which is sufficient to meet its dividend commitment set at an annualized $1.68 per share.
The decline of Pfizer's stock by approximately 31% over the past 12 months can be attributed to several factors. One of the main factors is the decreasing demand for its COVID-19 products, Comirnaty and Paxlovid. Combined first-quarter sales of these products fell more than 60% year over year to $2.4 billion. Management predicts further declines for these drugs, which has negatively impacted the stock price. Additionally, the stock market has been focused on the sinking sales of these COVID-related products, further contributing to the decline in Pfizer's stock price.